Economics

Indonesia Surprises by Holding Key Rate Amid Volatile Market

  • Most economists in Bloomberg survey predicted 25 bps rate cut
  • Indonesian economy seen slowing as virus takes heavy toll

The Bank Indonesia headquarters stand in Jakarta.

Photographer: Dimas Ardian/Bloomberg
Lock
This article is for subscribers only.

Indonesia’s central bank unexpectedly left its key interest rate unchanged for a second month to bolster the currency in the face of a flagging economy and volatile financial markets.

Bank Indonesia held its seven-day reverse repurchase rate steady at 4.5%, following rate cuts in February and March. Only six of 25 economists expected the bank to stay put Tuesday, with the rest predicting a 25 basis-point cut.