Sovereign Rupiah Expedition In Kaltara Brings IDR 4.5 Billion In Cash

Rupiah Expedition Program (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The Sovereign Rupiah Expedition Program in North Kalimantan from July 29 to August 3, 2023 brought cash in the form of rupiah amounting to IDR 4.5 billion.

"Activities using the KRI Sidat which brought rupiah in cash amounting to Rp4.5 billion visited the five outer islands," said Head of the Bank Indonesia Representative Office for the Kaltara Region Wahyu Indra Sukma in Tarakan, North Kalimantan, Saturday, quoted by Antara.

The five outer islands visited are Bunyu Island, Sebatik Island, Sulaiman Bay, Derawan Island and Maratua Island.

The activity involved 15 people from seven work units, namely the Department of Money Management, KPwBI Central Kalimantan, KPwBI East Kalimantan, KPwBI Purwokerto, KPwBI Bangka Belitung, KPwBI Banten and KPwBI North Kalimantan.

The management of rupiah currency is also one of Bank Indonesia's tasks to support BI's goal, namely the stability of the rupiah value.

The distribution and use of rupiah currency throughout the Republic of Indonesia is important and strategic in the life of the nation and state.

"Because the rupiah is not only a means of payment transactions, but the rupiah is also an identity and tool to unite the nation and become a symbol of national sovereignty as emphasized in the Currency Law," said Wahyu.

There are three main challenges for Bank Indonesia in distributing rupiah. First, is the geographical condition of the Republic of Indonesia which has 17,499 islands, bordering 11 neighboring countries with limited infrastructure, thus affecting Bank Indonesia's reach in providing money to the public.

These include islands in the front, Remote and Outermost (3T) areas.

Second, the diversity of levels of public education that affect people's behavior in treating money.

"This certainly affects the quality of our rupiah currency. In this context, we need to answer this challenge with education," said Wahyu.

Third, the use of money other than rupiah as a means of payment, especially in border areas.

In facing challenges and carrying out these missions, BI needs to cooperate and join hands with all elements of the nation, including the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL).

The Indonesian Navy is one of the elements of the nation that is at the forefront of maintaining the sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia through its fleet strength and routine operations to reach all corners of the country from Sabang to Merauke.

The synergy between Bank Indonesia and the Indonesian Navy is needed to be able to assist the limitations of Bank Indonesia in distributing rupiah so that Bank Indonesia's mission to provide rupiah money throughout the territory of the Republic of Indonesia, especially in the 3T archipelago region, can be achieved.

This synergy substantially brings together the same two interests, where the Indonesian Navy has an interest in maintaining the sovereignty of the entire territory of the Republic of Indonesia with defense and BI has an interest in maintaining the sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia and the rupiah.

Strategic synergy between the Indonesian Navy and BI has started since 2011, through mobile cash service activities in 3T areas throughout the Republic of Indonesia.

This activity aims to help provide money worth distribution on the outer islands that are difficult to reach by public transportation.

In addition to these activities, other activities are also carried out including the socialization or education of Cinta, Proud and Rupiah Understanding, the Social Bank Indonesia Program (PSBI) in collaboration with the local government. Distribution of PSBI and basic necessities in the destination area/island.

From 2012 to 2022, Bank Indonesia and the Indonesian Navy have carried out 92 activities of 3T Mobile Cash with 480 3T islands visited.

In 2023 the Sovereign Rupiah Expedition to 3T Island will be implemented 17 times in 17 provinces with a target of 85 islands visited.

Meanwhile, Commander of Lantamal XIII Tarakan, First Admiral TNI Deni Herman, hopes that this activity can provide convenience to people in the 3T area by getting money worth distribution.

Seeing the geographical conditions of the Indonesian state, of course the area and distribution of small islands are a challenge for the Indonesian nation in maintaining and defending the nation's sovereignty.

"This cannot be done alone without the unity and integrity between all elements of the nation. The Indonesian Navy is at the forefront of maintaining and upholding the sovereignty of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia," said Deni.

He added that here is the meeting point for the cooperation that was built between the two elements of the nation, namely Bank Indonesia and the Indonesian Navy, both maintaining sovereignty and common interests in supporting national development.