Indonesia Issues Seven New Rupiah Banknotes

The Indonesian central bank has issued seven new rupiah banknotes to commemorate the Indonesian Independence Day.

The 2022 issue notes released by Bank Indonesia are Rp 100,000, Rp 50,000, Rp 20,000, Rp 10,000, Rp 5,000, Rp 2,000, and Rp 1,000.

“Today, on August 18, 2022, I officially launch seven rupiah banknotes for 2022 issue as legal tender within the Indonesian territory,” Bank Indonesia governor Perry Warjiyo said on Thursday, August 18, as reported by Antara.

Similar to the 2016 edition, the new notes retain the same images of national heroes on one side and cultural themes of Indonesia (traditional dances, natural landscapes, and flora) on the other. However, there are three adjustments made, including sharper color palette, more reliable security features, and greater durability.

“The innovations ensure that genuine rupiah banknotes are easier to identify, more convenient and safer to use, and more difficult to counterfeit, thus improving the quality and reliability of rupiah banknotes as a source of pride and symbol of sovereignty in the Republic of Indonesia,” a statement from Bank Indonesia read.

Bank Indonesia also noted that the previous editions of rupiah banknotes and coins will remain legal tender throughout the country until they are withdrawn from circulation by the central bank.

The public can exchange their old notes with the 2022 issue through banks and mobile exchange service.

President Joko Widodo previously named national heroes to be on the new banknotes, and they were Soekarno and Mohammad Hatta (on Rp 100,000 banknote), Djuanda Kartawidjaja (Rp 50,000), Gerungan Saul Samuel Jacob Ratulangi (Rp 20,000), Frans Kaisiepo (Rp 10,000), Idham Chalid (Rp 5,000), Mohammad Husni Thamrin (Rp 2,000), and Tjut Meutia (Rp 1,000).