September 22, 2026 | 04:24 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Rupiah banknotes printed in 2026 and already in circulation remain legal tender in Indonesia, even after recent changes in the country’s finance minister and Bank Indonesia governor.
The clarification came after banknotes bearing the signatures of former Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa and former Bank Indonesia Governor Perry Warjiyo began attracting attention on social media, with some people seeking them out after they were described as rare.
Does a Change of Officials Invalidate Older Banknotes?
No. A change in the finance minister or Bank Indonesia governor does not affect the validity of rupiah banknotes that have already been produced and circulated.
Bank Indonesia (BI) Communications Department Head Ramdan Denny Prakoso said the 2026 banknotes bearing Purbaya’s and Perry’s signatures were produced in accordance with the established currency-printing process and remain legal tender in Indonesia.
“The change of finance minister or Bank Indonesia governor does not affect the validity of rupiah that has been produced and circulated,” Ramdan said in a statement in Jakarta on Tuesday.
Why Do Rupiah Banknotes Carry Officials’ Signatures?
Rupiah banknotes must carry the signatures of representatives of both the Indonesian government and Bank Indonesia.
Under Article 5(1)(d) of Law No. 7 of 2011 on Currency, as amended by Law No. 4 of 2023 on Financial Sector Development and Strengthening, or the P2SK Law, rupiah banknotes must contain at least the signatures of representatives of the government and Bank Indonesia.
The government is represented by the finance minister, while Bank Indonesia is represented by its governor.
As a result, the signatures on rupiah banknotes correspond to the officials serving in those positions during the established process for determining and producing the currency.
What About 2026 Rupiah Banknotes?
According to BI, 2026 rupiah banknotes bearing the signatures of Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa as finance minister and Perry Warjiyo as Bank Indonesia governor were produced in accordance with the established printing process.
They remain legal tender in Indonesia even though both officials have since left their respective positions.
Ramdan said rupiah banknotes produced in subsequent periods will carry the signatures of the finance minister and Bank Indonesia governor serving at that time, in accordance with the applicable procedures and stages for managing rupiah.
Who Are the Officials on Rupiah Banknotes Now?
Suahasil Nazara became Indonesia’s finance minister on September 14, 2026, replacing Purbaya under Presidential Decree No. 97/P of 2026.
Meanwhile, Destry Damayanti is now Bank Indonesia governor. She took the oath of office on September 2, 2026, under Presidential Decree No. 92/P of 2026 dated September 1.
Destry had previously served as acting governor after Perry Warjiyo stepped down in July.
This means rupiah produced in subsequent periods will reflect the signatures of the finance minister and Bank Indonesia governor serving at the time of its production.
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