Counterfeit Currency Worth Rp 12 Billion Seized in Cirebon Ahead of Eid, Police Arrest Suspect
Cirebon police have successfully uncovered a counterfeit currency operation ahead of the Eid al-Fitr celebrations on Tuesday, 17 March 2026. In the case, officers seized evidence valued at approximately Rp 12 billion.
Police also secured a suspect with the initials S (52), a resident of Gegesik District, Cirebon Regency. The Cirebon Police Chief, Senior Commissioner Imara Utama, explained that the suspect’s modus operandi involved producing counterfeit currency at his residence by redesigning 100,000-rupiah banknotes. He subsequently printed and cut them to resemble genuine currency.
“The counterfeit money was planned to be circulated in West Java, Bali, West Nusa Tenggara, and Yogyakarta regions before the Nyepi Day celebration and Eid al-Fitr festivities in 2026,” Imara said at Cirebon Police Headquarters on Tuesday, 17 March 2026.
He explained that the case began with information from the public about someone suspected of producing counterfeit rupiah notes. Subsequently, the Criminal Investigation Unit of Cirebon Police conducted an investigation and successfully caught the suspect red-handed whilst producing counterfeit rupiah banknotes.
During the arrest, officers discovered numerous pieces of evidence including counterfeit notes ready for circulation and materials prepared for further production. Additionally, various equipment used in the counterfeit currency operation was found.
Evidence secured included 607 sheets of counterfeit 100,000-rupiah notes, 100 sheets of uncut printed counterfeit notes, 52 reams of security paper with watermarks, one carton of newly printed counterfeit 100,000-rupiah notes, a laptop, monitor, flash drive, four printer units, nine rolls of gold-coloured tape, a hologram machine, two currency-counting machines, 67 sheets of 100,000-rupiah denomination wrappers bearing bank logos, an infrared sensor device, a mobile phone, and other items.
For his actions, the suspect has been charged under Articles 37 and 27 of Law No. 7 of 2011 regarding Currency, in conjunction with Law No. 1 of 2026 concerning Criminal Penalty Adjustments, and/or Articles 374 and 375 (1) of Law No. 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code, in conjunction with Law No. 1 of 2026 concerning Criminal Penalty Adjustments.
“To be held accountable for his actions, suspect S faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment or a custodial sentence of up to 20 years and/or a maximum fine in category VIII of Rp 50 billion,” he said.
Imara appealed to the public to remain vigilant against counterfeit currency circulation, particularly ahead of Eid al-Fitr, which typically sees increased cash transactions. “We advise the public to be more careful when receiving money, especially during buying and selling transactions. Identify the authenticity features of rupiah currency using the methods of sight, touch, and backlighting. If counterfeit money is suspected, immediately report it to the nearest police station,” he stressed.