BI issues new Rp 500 and Rp 200 coins

Bank Indonesia (BI) will issue two new coins worth Rp 500 (0.5 U.S. cent) and Rp 200 respectively on Monday for valid payment in the country.

The issuance of the new coins is to meet people's need for small change, as well as to support cash transactions, the bank said in a statement.

Both coins feature a picture of the state coat of arms, the Garuda (mythological bird) Pancasila, on the front, and the pictures of melati (jasmine flower) and jalak (Balinese starling) on the back of the Rp 500 and Rp 200 coin respectively.

The choice of the flower and bird for the back side of the coins is aimed at promoting the preservation of the country's flora and fauna, the bank said.

At the moment, Indonesia has about nine different kinds of coins in circulation, the Rp 25 (one type), Rp 50 (three types), Rp 100 (three types), Rp 500 (one type) and Rp 1,000 (one type).

The Rp 500 coin, which is still in circulation, will remain valid currency, according to the bank. -- JP