BI Distributes Rp14 Billion in Fit Currency to Five of Indonesia's Outermost Islands

Bank Indonesia (BI), together with the Indonesian Navy, has again carried out the Sovereign Rupiah Expedition in the Riau Islands Province, distributing Rp14 billion in fit currency to five of the country’s outermost, remote, and underdeveloped (3T) islands. The programme is a state effort to ensure the availability of fit rupiah currency while reinforcing the symbol of economic sovereignty in Indonesia’s border regions. The expedition was launched at Bintang 99 Persada Port in Batam. It was led by the Head of the Bank Indonesia Representative Office for the Riau Islands, Rony Widijarto Purwoko, alongside Navy officials. The currency was transported aboard the Indonesian Navy vessel KRI Beladau, which is scheduled to sail for one week. The targeted islands include Tarempa, Midai, Subi Besar, Tambelan, and Singkep, covering a total distance of approximately 1,135 nautical miles. Rony Widijarto Purwoko stated that the distribution of rupiah to border areas is not merely a transactional necessity but a tangible presence of the state in maintaining economic sovereignty. The First Admiral of the Navy’s Fourth Fleet Command, Ketut Budiantara, emphasised that the stable circulation of rupiah in the outermost regions is integral to national defence and identity. Meanwhile, Andri Rizal, Expert Staff to the Governor of Riau Islands for Economic and Development Affairs, highlighted that the province’s archipelagic geography poses a significant challenge to equitable economic and financial service distribution. He noted that this collaboration between the regional government, Bank Indonesia, and the Navy is a strategic step to expand financial access for island communities and prevent reliance on foreign currencies due to limited banking services. This voyage is the tenth of 19 national agendas planned by Bank Indonesia throughout 2026.