On February 1, 2025, the Indonesian public was taken by surprise when Google’s search results showed the exchange rate of the US dollar to the Indonesian rupiah at Rp 8,170.65. This unexpected figure caused widespread confusion and panic among social media users, leading to speculations about whether the rupiah had appreciated significantly or if there was merely a glitch.
The sudden fluctuation prompted rapid discussions on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), where users were quick to question the accuracy of the displayed rate. Many users could hardly believe what they were seeing, with queries such as, "Is the dollar really worth so little?" and "Is Google playing pranks on us?" trending online.
Bank Indonesia quickly responded to the uproar. Ramdan Denny Prakoso, Head of the Communication Department, stated, "The level of the exchange rate for the US dollar to rupiah displayed at around Rp 8,100 as seen on Google is not the correct level." He pointed out the accurate rate recorded by the central bank was Rp 16,305 per dollar as recently as January 31, 2025.
This was not the first time Google had faced criticism for incorrect information. According to experts, discrepancies like this can originate from third-party data suppliers, and Google recognized this issue. A Google representative confirmed, "We are aware of the problem affecting the Indonesian rupiah exchange rate information on Google Search. The data conversion originates from third-party sources. Upon identifying the inaccuracies, we contacted the data provider for immediate correction.”
Market analysts, including Lukman Leong from Doo Financial Futures, commented, "This has occurred before, though such significant discrepancies are rare. The difference this time is alarming, as traditional rates remain firmly above Rp 16,000 per dollar.” They echoed sentiments of disbelief, heralding this error as particularly drastic.
Adding to the dialogue, another analyst, Ariston Tjendra, voiced on Saturday morning, "I checked the rates on Google, and it still showed this drastic drop. This error suggests either significant miscalculations or could hint at temporary structural issues with Google’s search data.” He reminded users to remain skeptical of the numbers presented without corroboration from reliable financial institutions.
The buzz surrounding the low exchange rate caught the attention of the general public. Meme creators and social media users alike took the opportunity to poke fun at the situation, sharing jokes and humorous takes on how they could, hypothetically, buy luxury goods or travel with such rates. Comments such as, "If only these dollar rates were real!” became commonplace.
Until the source of the error was rectified, anxiety lingered among users relying on digital platforms for financial data. Destry Damayanti, Senior Deputy Governor of Bank Indonesia, underscored the concern, stating, "There is clearly something wrong with Google’s figures.” She confirmed the bank had communicated with Google’s team to address the discrepancies urgently.
Current reliable sources indicate the riyadh encountered on Google is far off from the trade realities. The Jakarta Interbank Spot Dollar Rate (JISDOR) showed figures on January 31 indicated serious weakening for the rupiah, as it stood at Rp 16,312 against the dollar. This discrepancy highlighted the importance of double-checking information against official financial channels.
It’s worth noting the history of exchange rates between the dollar and the rupiah. The last time rates hovered around the 8,000 mark was over two decades ago, during Indonesia’s earlier economic phases. Back then, currency valuations were vastly different, reflecting economic conditions quite unlike today. The public's awareness of these rates provides them continuity and continuity of consciousness, which is part of the economic climate being faced.
Google's mistakes raise the conversation on the reliability of digital information. Users are often tempted to trust online platforms without verification. This incident emphasizes the necessity for financial literacy and awareness among internet users.
The attempt by Google to clarify their mistake is timely, yet trust has been shaken. Network users will likely remain vigilant about any future fluctuations or possible errors. The whole incident is yet another reminder of the surprises technology can bring, even as it aims to facilitate everyday tasks like checking exchange rates.
For now, the situation remains fluid, with Google working rapidly to correct the rates displayed on its platform. Meanwhile, the public is left to navigate their everyday financial decision-making on what they have come to realize is uncertain terrain.