People swarm money changers

BANDUNG: The weakening rupiah, which fell to over Rp 11,000 against the U.S. dollar on Monday, resulted in a rush on money changers as people exchanged their dollars.

Even before these businesses opened at 9 a.m., hundreds of people were already standing in lines outside many of the town's money changers, including Golden Money Changer on Jl. Otto Iskandar Dinata.

The crowds peaked at about noon when the rupiah reached the 11,000 level against the dollar. Those lining up at the money changers were not only from Bandung, but also from the nearby towns of Subang and Sumedang.

The large crowds moved the owner of the Golden Money Changer to ask the police to provide security.

Not everyone wanted dollars, with many of those waiting in line seeking to buy dollars.

Edi, a 59 year old from Sumedang, said he needed dollars because his child was going to study in the United States.

"Next month my child is going to the U.S. and I am afraid the rupiah will continue to sink because the political situation is still uncertain," he said. (25)