JAKARTA, July 17 Reuters Indonesia39;s central bank held its benchmark interest rate steady on Wednesday, as expected, saying the current level remained consistent to manage inflation through to 2025 and stabilise the rupiah, while eyeing room for easing in the fourth quarter.

The sevenday reverse repurchase rate, known as the Bank Indonesia BI Rate, was maintained at 6.25, where it has been since April, as expected by all 35 economists polled by Reuters. BI also kept other policy rates unchanged.

Governor Perry Warjiyo said the decision would ensure inflation remained within the target range in 2024 and 2025, while the shortterm policy focus was directed at strengthening the rupiah currency and attracting inflows.

BI has been focusing on managing the rupiah39;s volatility, including by intervening in the currency and bond markets, with inflation already within its target range since the middle of last year.

The rupiah has seen bouts of weakness this year due to a resilient U.S. dollar as well as investors39; concerns regarding Jakarta39;s fiscal prudence under an incoming government that is set to take office in October.

The currency has recovered by around 2 in recent weeks since hitting a fouryear low last month.

The rupiah was among the biggest gainers on Wednesday in emerging Asia as market participants bets on earlier monetary easing by the U.S. Federal Reserve. It strengthened further to as much as 16,090 per dollar after BI39;s rate decision versus 16,125…