BI Warns that Counterfeit Currency Circulation Remains Widespread in Solo Raya
Solo Raya, comprising Surakarta and its surrounding areas in Central Java, is not yet safe from counterfeit currency. Despite intensified public education on rupiah authenticity by Bank Indonesia, thousands of counterfeit banknotes continue to circulate among the public. In fact, the amount is described as relatively stable over time.
The fact emerged when the Kota Surakarta Police Resort (Polresta Surakarta) together with the Bank Indonesia Representative Office in Surakarta destroyed 12,270 counterfeit notes found by banks and money-handling service companies during 2026, on Tuesday, 19 May 2026.
This is a handover from money-handling service providers and banks in Surakarta, said Polresta Surakarta Chief Commissioner of Police Catur Cahyono Wibowo during the destruction at Polresta Surakarta Headquarters, on Tuesday.
Catur said the counterfeit notes were the cumulative result of sorting processes in banks and money-handling companies over the past few months. He did not deny that counterfeits circulate in everyday transactions and are only detected after entering the banking system.
The majority of counterfeit notes found were Rp 100,000 notes, with 7,575 notes worth Rp 757.5 million. Followed by Rp 50,000 notes, 4,528 notes worth Rp 226.4 million. The remainder consisted of Rp 20,000, Rp 10,000, Rp 5,000, and Rp 2,000 notes.
The police urged the public to be more vigilant when receiving cash, especially large denominations which are most commonly forged.
“We hope the public become more meticulous and vigilant in recognising the authenticity of rupiah, so as to avoid fraud,” said Catur.
BI Surakarta Representative Head Dwiyanto Cahyo Sumirat acknowledged that the trend of counterfeit finds in Solo Raya has not shown a significant decline.
“The same, almost the same,” he said when asked about developments in counterfeit circulation year on year.
Dwiyanto said BI has relied on the ‘Cinta, Bangga, dan Paham Rupiah’ programme with the 3D method, namely See (Dilihat), Feel (Diraba), and Inspect/Examine (Diterawang), to help people recognise authenticity. He noted that the target of counterfeit circulation is very diverse, ranging from everyday transactions to traditional market traders.
BI Surakarta has teamed up with schools and the education department to broaden rupiah literacy to the high school level. According to Dwiyanto, pupils are expected to become an extension of education to the public.