Jayapura– Bank Indonesia (BI) Papua Representative Office has allocated Rp20 billion in fit-for-circulation banknotes for the 2026 Sovereign Rupiah Expedition (Ekspedisi Rupiah Berdaulat/ERB), aimed at serving communities in Indonesia’s frontier, outermost, and remote (3T) regions across Papua.
The program, scheduled to take place from August 4 to 10, 2026, reflects Bank Indonesia’s commitment to ensuring that people living in remote islands and border areas have access to quality rupiah banknotes. The expedition is being carried out in collaboration with the Indonesian Navy, which plays a key role in reaching geographically challenging locations.
Head of Bank Indonesia’s Papua Representative Office, Warsono, said the amount of cash prepared for this year’s expedition has increased compared to last year’s allocation. The increase is intended to meet growing public demand and support economic transactions in the targeted regions.
In addition to exchanging worn or unfit banknotes for new ones, the expedition team will also conduct public education campaigns under the Love, Be Proud of, and Understand the Rupiah (CBP Rupiah) program. The initiative is designed to encourage people to properly care for the national currency while strengthening public awareness of the rupiah as a symbol of Indonesia’s sovereignty.
The 2026 Sovereign Rupiah Expedition will utilize the Indonesian Navy vessel KRI Mata Bongsang-873 to reach five islands in Papua, namely Pai Island, Owi Island, Numfoor Island, Bepondi Island, and Yapen Island. The program is expected to improve access to cash services, facilitate local economic activities, and expand Bank Indonesia’s financial services to remote island communities.
Meanwhile, Commander of Naval Main Base (Kodaeral) X Jayapura, Major General (Marines) Sugianto, reaffirmed the Indonesian Navy’s commitment to supporting the expedition by ensuring the secure distribution of rupiah banknotes to Indonesia’s frontier regions. He emphasized that the collaboration between Bank Indonesia and the Navy not only enhances public services but also reinforces the state’s presence and strengthens national economic sovereignty in border areas.
