New banknotes and coins released on Monday by Bank Indonesia (BI) have enhanced security features aimed to prevent counterfeiting, the central bank governor has said.
BI governor Agus Martowardojo told reporters that the new banknotes had nine to 12 security elements, some that were visible to the naked eye and others that were not.
“For the Rp 100,000 [SS$10.80) banknotes, there are 12 security features, which can be seen from the colour, ultraviolet marks, [security] thread and the recto and verso,” he said during an event on the issuance of the new banknotes and coins.
During the event, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo also asserted the importance of the improved security features.
“Regarding counterfeit rupiah banknotes, I instructed [BI] that the security features have to be enhanced. Our country’s technology should be able to prevent counterfeiting,” he said.
On Monday, the central bank officially issued and circulated seven new banknotes and four coins, which depict the pictures of national heroes, traditional dances and natural sites.
The new notes are the Rp 100,000, Rp 50,000, Rp 20,000, Rp 10,000, Rp 5,000 and Rp 2,000 and Rp 1,000, while the new coins are Rp 1,000, Rp 500, Rp 200 and Rp 100.
Agus said all previously issued banknotes and coins would remain valid until BI announced their removal from circulation. He said the central bank had not set a date to withdraw old banknotes.
