Counterfeit Money in Makassar is Said to be of Low Quality, BI: Easy to Detect!

Kapanlagi.com - The circulation of counterfeit money has become a hot topic again, this time in Gowa Regency, Makassar, South Sulawesi. Bank Indonesia (BI) revealed that the counterfeit money in circulation has very low quality, making it easy to recognize with simple methods. This finding serves as an important reminder for the public to better understand how to distinguish between real and counterfeit money.

According to BI's research, the counterfeit money was produced using very simple techniques, using inkjet printers and regular screen printing. What stands out more is that there are no security features such as security threads or watermarks that have been successfully counterfeited. This finding aligns with the results of the police investigation, which found that the printing machines used were just ordinary printing machines.

Although the counterfeit money in circulation is far from the quality of real money, BI continues to remind the public to be more vigilant. Education regarding the authenticity of money is continuously promoted through national campaigns and collaborations with various parties. The public is invited to recognize the characteristics of real money using the 3D method: see, touch, and hold up to the light. Let's increase our vigilance and protect the authenticity of our money!

1. Chronology of the Discovery of Counterfeit Money in Makassar

The case of counterfeit money circulation in the UIN Makassar area, Gowa Regency, reveals shocking facts about the quality of the counterfeit currency in circulation. According to Marlison Hakim, Head of the Currency Management Department of Bank Indonesia (BI), this counterfeit money has very low quality and is easy to recognize, as it lacks security features such as security threads, watermarks, or electrotypes.

Further investigation by the Indonesian National Police found ordinary printing machines and simple printing techniques such as inkjet printers and screen printing used by the perpetrators, showing how limited their capabilities are.

When tested with ultraviolet light, this counterfeit money shows striking differences in luminescence, location, color, and shape compared to genuine Rupiah currency. In other words, the quality of this counterfeit money is still far from the expected standard, as emphasized by Marlison Hakim in his statement in Jakarta.

2. Method of Identifying Counterfeit Money

Bank Indonesia invites the public to be more vigilant against the circulation of counterfeit money by applying the 3D method: see, touch, and hold up to the light. This method allows anyone, even those who are not familiar with it, to easily distinguish between genuine and counterfeit money.

In the "see" stage, pay attention to visual elements such as the main image, writing, and distinctive serial numbers. Next, "touch" to feel the unique texture on the nominal value and the BI logo that can only be found on genuine money. Finally, "hold up to the light" to reveal security elements, such as watermarks and security threads that cannot be forged.

To support this education, BI also provides a comprehensive guide on their official website, so the public is better prepared to face the threat of counterfeit money around them.

3. Trend of Decreasing Counterfeit Money Cases

In recent years, the circulation of counterfeit money in Indonesia has seen a promising decline, according to data from Bank Indonesia. In 2024, the ratio of counterfeit money was recorded at only 4 ppm (pieces per million), an improvement compared to 5 ppm the previous year.

This success reflects BI's smart strategies in improving the quality of money and educating the public. Various measures, including strengthening security features on the Rupiah, utilizing advanced printing technology, and collaboration among agencies in the Coordinating Body for the Eradication of Counterfeit Rupiah (Botasupal), have made counterfeiting increasingly difficult.

Additionally, the campaign "Love, Proud, Understand Rupiah" has been a main focus, which is not only conducted through direct socialization but also involves digital media to raise public awareness about the importance of maintaining the authenticity of the Rupiah.

4. Legal Implications of Counterfeiting Money

Counterfeiting money is not just an economic violation, but also a serious criminal act that can lead to heavy prison sentences. According to the Currency Law Article 36, offenders of counterfeiting can be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison and fined up to Rp10 billion. Furthermore, for those who intentionally circulate counterfeit money, the threat of punishment can increase to up to 15 years in prison and a maximum fine of Rp50 billion.

Not only that, actions that damage the Rupiah, such as tearing or marking it, are also regulated under Law No. 7 of 2011, where offenders can be imprisoned for up to 5 years and fined up to Rp1 billion. All these regulations aim to uphold the honor of the Rupiah as a symbol of the nation.

Bank Indonesia also reminds the public to take care of the Rupiah by applying the "5 Don'ts": do not fold, do not mark, do not staple, do not crumple, and do not wet, so that the authenticity of the money remains intact and easily recognizable.

5. The Educational Role in Preventing the Circulation of Counterfeit Money

In an effort to combat the circulation of counterfeit money, Bank Indonesia (BI) has taken proactive steps by launching an engaging and informative educational campaign. Through various platforms, BI explains in detail the characteristics of genuine money and the importance of the 3D method to recognize the authenticity of currency.

Not only that, BI also collaborates with various institutions to raise public awareness about the dangers of counterfeit money by organizing training for business actors, education in schools, and disseminating information through social media.

All these initiatives aim to build a strong collective awareness, so BI hopes to reduce the circulation of counterfeit money to a lower level. By combining education and technology, BI is committed to creating a more vigilant and educated society.

6. How to recognize genuine money using the 3D method?

The 3D method offers an immersive experience in verifying the authenticity of money, where we can observe captivating visual elements, feel the unique textures that only real money possesses, and look through to discover hidden security elements, such as watermarks that provide security guarantees.

7. What is the penalty for currency counterfeiting?

Perpetrators of this crime risk spending up to ten years behind bars, with fines that can reach a staggering Rp10 billion. However, for those distributing counterfeit money, the penalties awaiting them are much heavier, adding tension to this increasingly troubling world of crime.

8. What are the latest trends regarding counterfeit money in Indonesia?

According to the latest data from Bank Indonesia, a positive trend continues to be observed in the handling of counterfeit money in the country. The ratio of counterfeit money, which initially reached 9 parts per million (ppm) in 2020, has significantly decreased to only 4 ppm in 2024.

9. How does BI raise public awareness about genuine currency?

Bank Indonesia launched an engaging educational campaign titled "Love, Proud, Understanding the Rupiah" to enhance public understanding of the importance of the rupiah. Through a combination of direct socialization and digital platforms, this campaign aims to touch the hearts and minds of citizens, inviting them to love and appreciate our nation's proud currency even more.

(kpl/srr)