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| Tinuk Dwi Cahyani, SH., S.HI., M.Hum. (Photo: Special). |
The distribution of counterfeit money needs to be anticipated, especially after Eid al-Fitr. It is a tradition for Indonesians to share their Tunjangan Hari Raya (THR) (trans: holiday allowance) on Eid al-Fitr. The Indonesian people will start exchanging bills or new money to be used as THR, also known as “pocket money” during Eid.
Tinuk Dwi Cahyani, SH, S.HI., M.Hum., as a lecturer at the Faculty of Law (FL) at the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM), said that the existence of counterfeit money can have an impact on the public interest, especially economic problems. The most significant impact is caused by inflation. The greater the amount of counterfeit money in circulation, the greater the purchasing power and economy of the community.
“Counterfeit money can also be used for transactions if people are not aware of it. Thus, the circulation of money is uncontrolled and makes the rupiah worthless,” she explained.
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There have been existing regulations regarding currencies in Law No. 7 of 2011. In Article 26 and Article 27, it has been explained that it is prohibited to counterfeit, store, and distribute Rupiah that is known to be counterfeit Rupiah. For those who counterfeit Rupiah, the maximum penalty is 10 years and a maximum fine of 10 billion. “If you distribute it, then the penalty can be higher,” said Tinuk.
He continued that Indonesia has a Badan Koordinasi Pemberantasan Uang Palsu (Botasupal) (trans: Counterfeit Money Eradication Coordinating Agency), which consists of the Badan Intelijen Negara (BIN), the Indonesian Kepolisian Negara RI (Polri), the Attorney General's Office (AGO), the Ministry of Finance, and Bank Indonesia (BI). However, public contributions are still needed to maximize the prevention and eradication of counterfeit money circulation.
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“If people have concerns about the counterfeit money, they can immediately send a report to BI. BI will respond and conduct research on the physical characteristics of the money. If BI has stated that it is counterfeit, they will observe and trace the source of the money,” she concluded.
Tinuk is encouraging the public to continue to cooperate and play an active role. Furthermore, grocery stores and supermarkets can start using sensors to detect the authenticity of Rupiah. It can help prevent and detect the circulation of counterfeit money earlier. “This is important to make it easier to be identified,” she added.
During and after Eid, Tinuk also gave some tips to avoid being deceived and receiving counterfeit money. First, we must be careful with the material, size, image, and color of the money. Check whether the money is similar to the original money in terms of size, image, and material. Secondly, do not be easily tempted to rush. Exchange money at an authorized place, such as Bank Indonesia. Apart from having no additional costs, the authenticity of the money at the bank is guaranteed.
“I hope people will not be tempted to exchange money in unofficial places. It's usually an additional cost, and the authenticity of the money cannot be accounted for,” she concluded. (dev/wil/put)
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