Beware of Mutilated Currency Half-Counterfeit Half-Genuine, Bank Indonesia Reveals Characteristics
JAKARTA—Bank Indonesia has cautioned the public about mutilated currency. This type of money comprises genuine rupiah notes combined with counterfeit notes.
The Head of the Bank Indonesia Communication Department, Ramdan Denny Prakoso, explained that mutilated currency falls into the category of rupiah notes intentionally damaged. This provision is contained in Article 25 Paragraph 1 of Law No. 7 of 2011 concerning Currency.
Mutilated currency is formed when a genuine banknote that has been cut is joined with counterfeit note segments. This process causes the physical appearance of the money to deviate from its original form.
“What is meant by damaging (under this article) is changing the shape or altering the physical size from the original, which includes burning, piercing, removing part of it, or tearing,” he told Kompas.com on Saturday (28 February 2026).
“In accordance with Bank Indonesia Regulation No. 21/10/PBI/2019, Bank Indonesia does not provide replacement for damaged rupiah if the damage is suspected to have been done intentionally,” he stated.
Ramdan invited the public to recognise the characteristics of mutilated currency. These include segments with identical damage patterns. The serial numbers on the lower left and upper right sides also differ.
Bank Indonesia again reminded the public to understand the genuine characteristics of rupiah through the 3D method: viewing, touching, and backlighting. This approach helps identify the physical differences and authenticity markers of banknotes.
A video concerning mutilated currency circulated on social media. One post came from a Thread account. At first glance, the note appeared normal. Upon closer examination, traces of adhesive were visible on the right and left sides. The serial numbers on each side also differed.
“This is an example of mutilated currency. There are seams here, the serial numbers differ. So mutilated currency is half genuine and half counterfeit?” asked the video recorder to a bank official.
“This is not accepted at banks. Be careful, friends. These days there are many notes that are half counterfeit and half genuine, called mutilated currency,” he added.