Jakarta – The rupiah exchange rate versus the US dollar is expected to remain under pressure on Friday (20/8), owing to the Fed's tapering stance.

"The pressure on the rupiah may persist today." The tapering attitude could yet cause the rupiah to fall versus the US dollar, according to money market expert Ariston Tjendra in Jakarta.

In terms of probable weakness, the range of 14420 per US dollar is possible, with potential support at 14380 per US dollar.

According to Ariston, the overnight US weekly jobless claims report improved in that the number of claims reduced from the prior week.

"This data shows the progress of US labor conditions and can support tapering policies," he explained.

In addition, concerns about the increase in COVID-19 cases have not subsided, and this helped put pressure on the rupiah as market players shunned risky assets.