As the Australian dollar continues to 'head south' many Australians are now, once again looking north; to Bali where,
thanks to the rapid fall in the Indonesia rupiah over the past few months, holidays are still 'amazing value' according
to an Australian 'think tank'.
Ross Taylor, the president of the Indonesia Institute that is based in Western Australia, said today that the Indonesian
rupiah had fallen almost 12% against the US dollar and Euro over the past few months amidst 'challenging' economic
conditions in Indonesia.
"As the Aussie dollar has been falling from its highs of just four months ago", said Mr. Taylor, "the good news for
Aussie holiday-makers is that the Indonesia rupiah has been coming down as well, ensuring Australians on holiday in Bali
are still finding food, accommodation and services remarkably cheap."
Mr. Taylor said that the rapid fall in the Aussie dollar had not affected our purchasing power for the rupiah, whilst
the 'Aussie' has fallen noticably against many other Asian currencies.
"We have seen the Aussie dollar still buying around 10,000 thousand rupiah", said Mr. Taylor, "but traditionally we get
about Rp8,500 so at the current rate it is still very good value when compared to other currencies where the Aussie has
fallen far more dramatically".
The only people who are disappointed in the relative strength of the Aussie dollar against the rupiah, is in the inbound
tourist and education sector; both of whom need a lower dollar/rupiah exchange rate to attract more Indonesians to study
and holiday here.
And as for Bali, over 900,000 Australians will travel to their 'Paradise Island' over the next 12 months. "But Indonesia
needs to be attracting Australians to see 'the real Indonesia' with its natural beauty and friendly people" said Mr
Taylor.
"A falling rupiah will help maintain strong tourist growth into Bali and that is a good thing for holidaying Aussies;
and the Balinese people".
ENDS