On banknote

I can sympathize with Mr. A. Hovers, Bank credibility, March 20), about being confused that his dollars were not accepted by BRI.

It seems BRI is not alone with this strange dollar bill mentality. I guess BRI staff did not tell him that according to local banks, the dollar notes are not a currency but a "commodity".

Well, I did not realize this until I tried to transfer US$5,000 through BII Kemang when one $50 bill was rejected, although it was very clean but had shown some folds.

Upon my question why a currency bill has to be 100 percent clean and new, I was told that as per BII's rule, they are not treated as a currency but just like a "commodity", say like a painting, and BII explained that when they sell this "painting", the new buyer also wishes to buy a branch new "painting", therefore, the strict rules.

And I recall about six months ago, the BII branch in Tomang also tried to refuse acceptance of a dollar bill as the teller claimed the date on the bill was too old, although we had just received this bill from AMEX. However, after we insisted the manager call Bank Indonesia or any other "real" bank, they accepted the note.

So, buyers of dollars, or for that matter any other currency, beware -- buy special plastic hard covers to protect your valuable "paintings" to ensure you are able to sell them again one day.

I now begin to understand why when I sell my dollars or marks or francs, I get different amounts of rupiah, it all depends on the painting -- well if you hear anyone buying "old" paintings, let me know, maybe I too can cash in on some of my "old paintings" because so far, no one seems to be interested.

Furthermore, I hope that, in the future, BI assures that in their restructuring of the banks, they also assure that all banks employ only professionals and competent staff.

If we want to compete with foreign banks in the future, we have to start with properly trained and competent bank employees.

D. CHAMPEL

Jakarta