Bank Indonesia Promotes National Currency in Border Regions
Bank Indonesia (BI) has brought its “Love, Proud, and Understand Rupiah” (CBP Rupiah) campaign to communities residing along the Indonesia-Philippines border in North Sulawesi. According to Joko Supratikto, the Head of BI’s North Sulawesi Representative Office, this initiative is a crucial part of the central bank’s ongoing efforts to educate and reach out to citizens in these remote areas. The core objective is to ensure that residents living in these border regions have the same level of knowledge and understanding of the national currency as those in more urban, central areas. This mission is being carried out through the 2025 Sovereign Rupiah Expedition (ERP) program, a collaborative effort with the Indonesian Navy to deliver essential financial education to what BI refers to as the “3T regions”—the remote, outermost, and frontier parts of the country. This strategic focus highlights Bank Indonesia’s commitment to financial inclusion and to strengthening the bond between the nation’s currency and all its citizens, regardless of their geographical location.
The Three Pillars of Loving the Rupiah
The “Love, Proud, and Understand Rupiah” campaign is built on three fundamental pillars designed to foster a deeper connection with the national currency. Firstly, loving the rupiah means recognizing its design and key security features, which helps citizens to treat it properly and, most importantly, protect it from counterfeiting. This is a critical step in maintaining the integrity of the currency. Secondly, being proud of the rupiah is about fostering a sense of national identity and awareness. It reinforces the idea that the rupiah is not merely a medium of exchange, but a powerful symbol of Indonesia’s sovereignty and a unifying factor for the entire nation. This emotional connection is vital for ensuring the currency is used with respect and confidence. Lastly, understanding the rupiah involves a practical and functional appreciation of its role in everyday life. This means knowing how to use it effectively for transactions, managing personal finances through saving, and recognizing its function as a reliable store of value. Together, these three aspects form a comprehensive approach to currency management that goes beyond mere economics to a more profound sense of national pride and unity.
Strengthening the Currency’s Presence in Border Islands
As part of the 2025 Sovereign Rupiah Expedition, the Bank Indonesia team, in close partnership with the Indonesian Navy, has been actively visiting a series of islands that form a direct border with the Philippines. This targeted outreach effort has included visits to Karakitang, Nusa, Marore, Kabaruang, and Karatung islands, all located in the Sangihe and Talaud Districts. By physically bringing the central bank’s presence to these remote locations, the campaign directly addresses the unique challenges faced by communities in border areas, where access to financial education and services can be limited. The initiative is a powerful demonstration of the government’s commitment to ensuring that every citizen has a strong understanding of their national currency, thereby reducing the reliance on foreign currencies that can sometimes be prevalent in border regions. This concerted effort is designed to reinforce the rupiah’s role as the sole legitimate medium of exchange, ensuring it remains a central pillar of the nation’s economic stability and sovereign identity.
