Jurnal REKSA: Rekayasa Keuangan, Syariah dan Audit
Vol. 13 No. 1 (2026)

Reinforcement Learning for Portfolio Optimization: Evidence from the Indonesian Stock Market

Rachmawaty (Unknown)
Rahmawati (Unknown)
Hartini (Unknown)
Mattunruang, Andi Aris (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Mar 2026

Abstract

Stock portfolio management in emerging markets such as Indonesia remains challenging due to high volatility, market inefficiencies, and the strong presence of retail investors. In this setting, conventional approaches, including buy-and-hold strategies, the Markowitz framework, and the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM), often struggle to perform consistently under rapidly changing market conditions. While reinforcement learning (RL) has gained increasing traction in global finance, its application in the Indonesian stock market remains limited. This study examines the effectiveness of an RL-based approach, specifically the Deep Q-Network (DQN) algorithm, in optimizing stock portfolios on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX). Using a quantitative experimental design, the analysis is based on back-testing simulations of IDX30 stocks over the 2022–2024 period, with samples selected purposively based on liquidity and market capitalization. The findings show that the DQN-based strategy consistently outperforms conventional methods, delivering higher returns, improved risk–return efficiency, and better control of downside risk. These results suggest that RL models are better suited to adapt to dynamic market conditions. Theoretically, this study extends portfolio optimization literature by incorporating adaptive, learning-based models into emerging market contexts. Practically, it offers evidence for investors and practitioners to consider AI-driven strategies as a more responsive alternative to traditional approaches in a volatile market.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

reksa

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Economics, Econometrics & Finance

Description

Jurnal REKSA memuat "original articles" dan artikel tersebut belum dimuat atau diproses di jurnal lain. Sektor Privat: Akuntansi Keuangan dan Pasar Modal Akuntansi Manajemen dan Keperilakuan Sistem Informasi Akuntansi Pengauditan Etika Profesi Perpajakan Akuntansi dan Pengauditan Syariah Pendidikan ...