Bank Indonesia and National Police Destroy 466,535 Sheets of Counterfeit Money
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Bank Indonesia (BI), in collaboration with the National Police (Polri) and the Counterfeit Rupiah Eradication Coordinating Agency (Botasupal), on Wednesday destroyed 466,535 sheets of counterfeit rupiah notes to maintain the sovereignty of the rupiah and the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI), as well as to preserve public trust.
BI Deputy Governor Ricky P. Gozali, during a press conference at BI’s Head Office in Jakarta on Wednesday, stated that the quantity of counterfeit money originated from public reports, banking institutions, rupiah money processing service providers (PJPUR), and the results of processing bank deposits to BI nationwide from 2017 to November 2025.
The destruction was carried out using a shredding machine that produced very small paper scraps, rendering them no longer resembling currency. Additionally, the destruction followed strict procedures in accordance with applicable regulations.
“We can also convey that, based on our research into counterfeit money findings, the quality of counterfeit money produced to date is relatively very low if we look at it,” said Ricky.
On that occasion, he reiterated the importance of public awareness in identifying counterfeit rupiah notes through the 3D method: look, feel, and see through.
“In this regard, the public plays an increasingly vital role in preventing the circulation of counterfeit rupiah notes,” said Ricky.
He added that BI, together with Botasupal, continues to promote the Love, Pride, Understand Rupiah campaign, so that the public becomes more knowledgeable in verifying the authenticity of rupiah banknotes through the 3D method.
“We also urge the public to always take good care of rupiah notes so that their authenticity remains easy to recognise. Care for the rupiah by applying the ‘5 Don’ts’: don’t fold, don’t scribble on, don’t staple, don’t crumple, and don’t wet,” said Ricky.
Meanwhile, Deputy Head of the National Police Criminal Investigation Agency (Wakabareskrim) Polri Inspector General Nunung Syaifuddin stated that the seized items in the form of counterfeit rupiah banknotes destroyed today were the result of handover and non-judicial handling in accordance with applicable legal mechanisms and provisions.
“This destruction is carried out as a form of accountability, transparency, and assurance that the counterfeit money will never circulate in society again,” said Nunung.
Furthermore, the Chief Judge of the Central Jakarta District Court has granted permission to the investigators of the Special Crimes Directorate of the National Police Criminal Investigation Agency to destroy the counterfeit money. This is as stipulated in Determination Number 01/PNBid/2026/PN Central Jakarta dated 23 January 2026.
Nunung urged the entire public to be more meticulous in receiving cash and to immediately report to the police if they find or suspect the presence of counterfeit money.
He also emphasised that counterfeit money not only harms the public economically but can also disrupt economic stability and erode public confidence in the state’s currency.
“Therefore, synergy between the police, Bank Indonesia, and Botasupal elements, as well as all related parties, is very important in efforts to prevent and handle it,” said Nunung.