Depreciation and Trade Balance: An Exploration of the J-Curve Phenomenon in Indonesia

Research Originality: Global economic uncertainty has increased in recent years, leading to an appreciation of the US dollar relative to most global currencies, including the Indonesian rupiah. The novelty of this study is the inclusion of natural resource commodity price index variables, given the importance of these commodities in Indonesia's balance of trade.Research Objectives: This study aims to examine the effect of rupiah exchange rate depreciation on Indonesia's trade balance.Research Methods: This study uses a Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) to analyze Indonesia's balance of trade from January 2015 to December 2023, examining the potential J-Curve phenomenon resulting from the depreciation of the Indonesian rupiah.Empirical Result: Findings from the impulse response analysis suggest that the J-Curve phenomenon is present in Indonesia's balance of trade as a result of the rupiah's depreciation. The results of this study also confirm the positive effect of increasing natural resource commodity prices on Indonesia's trade balance.Implications: The implication of these findings is that exchange rate depreciation can improve Indonesia's trade balance only when natural resource commodity prices are rising. Conversely, if commodity prices decline, maintaining the stability of the rupiah exchange rate becomes crucial.JEL Classification: F11, F14, F31, Q02