Thousand Islands community supported by Bank Indonesia's new currency exchange service

Jakarta – Bank Indonesia (BI) has established new currency exchange services in the Thousand Islands region to assist residents wishing to exchange currency ahead of the Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah celebration.

Regent of Thousand Islands Muhammad Fadjar Churniawan stated that the service provided by Bank Indonesia is particularly beneficial to the community given the archipelago’s geographic separation from the mainland. “This service is especially helpful as we approach Eid al-Fitr,” he said in Jakarta on Sunday.

According to the Regent, exchanging new currency has become a tradition during Eid al-Fitr, and through the official service, residents feel secure as the authenticity of the currency is guaranteed. “This is a tangible demonstration of public service. In addition to obtaining new currency, residents can also easily exchange damaged or unfit currency,” he explained.

The Regent visited the rupiah currency exchange service organised by Bank Indonesia ahead of Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah at the Thousand Islands Regent’s Office on Pramuka Island, North Thousand Islands, on Thursday 26 February.

In the exchange initiative, each resident can exchange currency up to Rp5.3 million per person in accordance with regulations. The quota prepared is sufficient to meet the needs of the Thousand Islands community.

“We hope that such services can be implemented regularly, particularly during major religious occasions that require adequate availability of currency in circulation,” the Regent said.

Meanwhile, Faris Budiawan, Director of the Currency Management Department at Bank Indonesia, stated that this service forms part of Bank Indonesia’s commitment to providing fit-for-circulation rupiah currency throughout Indonesia, including archipelago regions.

“We have opened services on Kelapa Island, Harapan Island, Tidung Island, Untung Jawa Island, and Pramuka Island as the latest location. The amount of currency brought in has increased approximately 35 per cent compared to last year,” he said.

Faris emphasised that Bank Indonesia will continue to enhance service quality in the coming period, as the enthusiasm shown by residents is considered very high.

“In addition to exchanging new currency, the public can also exchange worn and damaged currency to bring it back into circulation in a fit condition,” he explained.