Jakarta, Aug. 26 -- The rupiah exchange rate against the US dollar opened at Rp17,695 per US dollar on Wednesday, gaining 28 points, or 0.16 percent, from its previous close of Rp17,723.

Chief Analyst at Doo Financial Futures Lukman Leong told ANTARA here on Wednesday that the rupiah was supported by declining global crude oil prices amid growing hopes for peace in the Middle East.

"The rupiah has the potential to strengthen against the US dollar as global oil prices decline amid growing prospects for peace in the Middle East, following reports that Iran and Oman discussed establishing a temporary joint maritime corridor in the Strait of Hormuz," he said.

As reported by Xinhua, Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi an...