Bank Indonesia Prepares Rp16.7 Trillion for Currency Exchange in West Java

Bank Indonesia is launching a programme entitled Semarak Rupiah Ramadan dan Berkah Idul Fitri (Serambi) for 2026. BI is preparing currency exchange services for Rp16.7 trillion.

BI, together with commercial banks, will open 359 service points for currency exchange across 27 districts and cities throughout West Java, including 285 bank counters.

Muhamad Nur, Head of Bank Indonesia’s West Java Representative Office, stated that under the Serambi 2026 programme, the bank is preparing cash requirements of Rp16.7 trillion for the Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr 2026 period.

“The Tasikmalaya region will receive an allocation of Rp2.55 trillion, alongside BI West Java’s allocation of Rp10.29 trillion, and BI Cirebon’s Rp3.89 trillion,” he emphasised.

According to him, the increased need for cash is being calculated adaptively, as digital transactions continue to grow. This means that banknotes remain important but now coexist with QR codes and transfers—a compromise between physical and digital wallets.

To bring services closer to the public, BI and commercial banks will establish 359 exchange service points across 27 districts and cities in West Java, including 285 bank counters.

“This allocation has increased compared to last year. We want the public to observe Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr peacefully, without the drama of small-change shortages when distributing year-end bonuses. The exchange service will run from 2 to 12 March 2026, longer than in previous years,” added Nur.

In the Tasikmalaya region, exchange points will be placed in centres of public activity such as mosques, bus terminals, sports centres and motorway rest areas.

Citizens, he continued, can exchange currency whilst waiting for buses or performing taraweeh prayers or religious walks. All exchange processes will be conducted through BI’s Pintar application. The public is required to place orders online beforehand to ensure the process runs in an orderly and transparent manner.