JAKARTA The Indonesian rupiah strengthened markedly in early but cautious trade Tuesday, in the wake of Monday's peaceful censure of President Abdurrahman Wahid.

At 9.30 am (0230 GMT) the rupiah was trading at 11,450-11,500 to the dollar, off a high of 11,375, against Monday's closing of around 11,675.

In the runup to Monday's censure vote by Parliament, the currency had sunk below the psychological 12,000 mark to the dollar on fears of mass violence, AFP reported.

A forex dealer at a foreign bank said the rupiah was stronger at the opening but that the upward trend was not strong, as market players are awaiting comment from Wahid over the censure.