A Guide to the Indonesian Currency Symbol

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Close-up of hands holding Indonesian rupiah notes in a wallet outdoors.
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up of hands holding Indonesian rupiah notes in a wallet outdoors.

The Indonesian currency symbol is a vital part of navigating the country's economy and commerce.

The official currency of Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).

To write the Rupiah symbol, you simply type "Rp" before the amount.

History of Indonesian Currency

The Indonesian rupiah has a rich history that dates back to 1946 when it was first issued, replacing the Indonesian Dutch East Indies guilder. This marked a significant change for the country, which was a colony of the Netherlands until World War II.

The term "rupiah" itself comes from the Sanskrit word rupyakam, meaning silver, and many Indonesians call it "Perak", which is also the Indonesian word for silver. This etymology is shared with other currencies like the Indian rupee and the Nepalese rupee.

Over the years, the rupiah has undergone several changes, including a depreciation in the 1950s that led to the introduction of a new rupiah in 1965, with an exchange rate of 1,000 old rupiah for 1 new rupiah.

A Brief History

Credit: youtube.com, Do You Know About The History Of Indonesian Currency? #currency

The Indonesian rupiah has a rich history that spans over seven decades. The term "rupiah" originates from the Sanskrit word rupyakam, which translates to silver.

The rupiah was first issued in October 1946, replacing the Indonesian Dutch East Indies guilder. By January 1947, 310 million rupiahs had already been printed.

The rupiah was not widely accepted until 1950, when it became the official currency of Indonesia after the Dutch recognized the country's independence. This marked a significant milestone in Indonesia's history.

In the 1950s, the Indonesian rupiah depreciated, leading to the introduction of a new rupiah in 1965. The exchange rate was 1,000 old rupiah for 1 new rupiah.

Since 1999, the rupiah has been relatively stable, despite facing pressure during the financial crisis of 2007-2008.

1949-1965 Foreign Restrictions

In 1949, the Indonesian government introduced the Indonesian rupiah, replacing the Dutch East Indies guilder. The rupiah was pegged to the US dollar at a rate of 1 USD = 2.8 IDR.

Close-up of hands managing banknotes, focusing on Indonesian Rupiah and diverse currencies
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up of hands managing banknotes, focusing on Indonesian Rupiah and diverse currencies

The Dutch government continued to print guilder notes in Indonesia until 1950, when the Indonesian government took control of the currency. The rupiah became the official currency of Indonesia.

In 1952, the Indonesian government introduced the first series of rupiah banknotes featuring the country's national heroes. The notes were designed to promote national unity and identity.

The rupiah was pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate until 1958, when the government allowed a managed float. This move was intended to stabilize the currency and reduce inflation.

The 1958 devaluation of the rupiah led to a significant increase in foreign exchange reserves, which helped to finance the country's economic development.

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1978-1986 Devaluations

By 1978, the Indonesian rupiah had become highly overvalued, with a trade-weighted real effective exchange rate more than twice as high as it was in 1995.

The government responded by devaluing the currency on 16 November 1978, lowering the exchange rate to Rp. 625 to US$1, after a nearly fourfold increase in prices over the period.

Credit: youtube.com, 1978 Indonesia 100 Rupiah Coin • Values, Information, Mintage, History, and More

This devaluation marked the beginning of a series of currency devaluations that would continue until 1986. The government abandoned the fixed exchange rate and introduced a managed float system.

The exchange rate was published daily, and by March 1983, the managed float had brought only an 11% fall in three and a half years to Rp702.

Relative Stability Since 1999

Since 1999, the Indonesian rupiah has experienced relative stability, with some fluctuations. The currency started the year 2000 at Rp7,050 to the US dollar and declined to Rp9,725 by the end of the year.

The rupiah reached a low of Rp12,069 on 27 April 2001, but strengthened to Rp8,500 later in the year. It ended 2001 at Rp10,505.

In 2002, the currency broke below Rp10,000 in March, but maintained a rate in the Rp8,000s and Rp9,000s until August 2005. The trading range then extended towards Rp11,000, but the currency ended the year just below Rp10,000.

The rupiah traded in a relatively narrow range against the US dollar from 2006 to 2008, between Rp8,500 and Rp9,900.

See what others are reading: Current Us Currency Coins

Currency Features

Credit: youtube.com, Indonesian Currency - Rupiah

In Indonesia, you'll find that the rupiah banknotes have some fancy security features to prevent counterfeiting. These include electrotypes, watermarks, security threads, and holograms.

The banknotes also have tactile features and gold patches for added security. You might even notice some rainbow printing that changes the color of the note when viewed from different angles.

The EURion constellation rings are another feature that helps prevent counterfeiting. These are patterns of symbols that are difficult to replicate.

Here are the denominations of Indonesian rupiah banknotes:

Coins

Coins are a convenient way to make small transactions in Indonesia, but they're not as widely used as you might expect. The most common coins in circulation are the Rp500 and Rp1,000.

If you need to make a smaller purchase, you can use coins like the Rp100 or Rp200, but these are rarely used. Some shops may not even accept them. Coins in Indonesia are made of aluminum or nickel-plated steel, with the Rp1,000 coin being the heaviest at 4.5 grams.

Here's a list of common coins in Indonesia:

It's worth noting that the Rp50 coin is very rare and not widely accepted.

Banknotes

Credit: youtube.com, New Banknotes Security Features - Look

Banknotes are a staple of Indonesian currency, and they've got some pretty cool features to prevent counterfeiting. The rupiah banknotes feature electrotypes, watermarks, security threads, metameric windows, holograms, tactile features, gold patches, and iridescent stripes.

You'll notice that the banknotes have EURion constellation rings to prevent counterfeiting. These patterns are designed to be visible under ultraviolet light, making it harder for counterfeiters to get away with fake notes.

The banknotes also have blind codes along the edges for people who are blind or visually impaired, making it easier for them to identify different denominations. This is a thoughtful touch that shows the Bank of Indonesia is committed to accessibility.

Indonesian banknotes are available in the following denominations: Rp. 2,000, Rp. 5,000, Rp. 10,000, Rp. 20,000, Rp. 50,000, and Rp. 100,000. These denominations are widely accepted and can be used for everyday transactions.

If you're planning to visit Indonesia, it's a good idea to have a mix of small and large denominations on hand. This will make it easier to pay for small purchases, like bus fares, or larger items like souvenirs.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Indian Currency to Indonesian Rupiah

Using Indonesian Currency

Credit: youtube.com, What Is The Currency In Indonesia? - Exploring Southeast Asia

The Indonesian currency symbol is IDR, which stands for Indonesian Rupiah.

You can use IDR to buy everyday items in Indonesia, such as food, transportation, and souvenirs.

The IDR is divided into 100 sen, but sen is no longer used in everyday transactions.

ATMs and currency exchange services are widely available in major cities and tourist areas.

If you're traveling to Indonesia, it's a good idea to have some local currency with you, especially when arriving at the airport.

You can exchange your money for IDR at the airport or withdraw it from an ATM once you arrive.

Understanding Indonesian Currency

The Indonesian rupiah (IDR) is the official currency of Indonesia, and it's represented by the currency code IDR and the currency symbol Rp. You'll see the symbol used directly before a price, such as Rp20,000.

The rupiah is divided into 100 sen, but since even one rupiah doesn't carry much value, you won't find prices quoted in terms of sen. Banknotes are used more frequently than coins in Indonesia, even though 1,000 IDR equates to less than one British penny.

Here are the available banknote denominations:

Banknote Security Features

Credit: youtube.com, Indonesian New 100,000 RUPIAH Banknote - 7 KEY SECURITY FEATURES | INDONESIA - ASIA

Indonesian banknotes have some really cool security features that make them hard to counterfeit. These features include electrotypes, watermarks, security threads, and holograms.

The central bank revised the rupiah banknotes in 2010 and 2011, adding new features like rainbow printing that changes color when viewed from different angles. This is a clever way to make sure the notes are genuine.

You'll also find EURion constellation rings on the banknotes, which are patterns of symbols that help prevent counterfeiting. These rings might look like a bunch of random symbols, but they're actually a clever security measure.

For people who are blind or visually impaired, the banknotes have blind codes along the edges that make it easier to identify different denominations. This is a thoughtful touch that makes Indonesian currency more accessible to everyone.

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What is Money?

Money is a vital part of our lives, and it's essential to understand what it is and how it works. The name for Indonesian money is the Indonesian rupiah, with the currency code IDR and the symbol Rp used instead.

The Indonesian rupiah is the sole recognized currency of Indonesia, issued by the Central Bank of Indonesia since the 1950s. This national bank has the power to set short-term interest rates, impacting prices for goods and services.

Understanding Rates

Credit: youtube.com, How to understand Indonesian rupiah currency

The Indonesian rupiah exchange rate is crucial to know when visiting Indonesia or sending money to loved ones there.

You can check the current exchange rate with an online currency converter or a money transfer app like Remitly.

The exchange rate will determine how many rupiahs you'll get for each unit of currency you exchange.

For example, if the exchange rate for USD to IDR is 1 USD = 15560.75 IDR, you can use this equation to calculate the amount of IDR you'll receive.

Here's a breakdown of the popular currencies to compare against the IDR:

  • Chinese renminbi (CNY and CNH)
  • Japanese yen (JPY)
  • Malaysian ringgit (MYR)
  • Thai baht (THB)
  • Pakistani rupee (PKR)
  • South African rand (ZAR)
  • Singapore dollar (SGD)
  • New Zealand dollar (NZD)
  • Australian dollar (AUD)
  • Canadian dollar (CAD)
  • British pound (GBP)
  • Euro (EUR)

Fees also play a significant role in determining the amount of IDR you'll receive. For example, if you're sending 100 USD to IDR, the economy fee for sending 100 USD to IDR is $3.99.

Here's an interesting read: Usd to Dinar Exchange Rate

Redenomination

The Indonesian rupiah has been a topic of discussion regarding redenomination. A long-running proposal to eliminate the final three zeroes of the currency has yet to receive formal legislative consideration.

Credit: youtube.com, Indonesia Rupiah Redenomination will Boost the acceptance & credibility.

Bank Indonesia has repeatedly urged the elimination of the final three zeroes of the currency to facilitate transaction handling. The move would not affect the value of the currency.

In 2015, the government submitted a rupiah redenomination bill to the House of Representatives, but it has not yet been deliberated.

The process of redenomination could be complete by 2024 or 2025 if it were to start immediately, according to Bank Indonesia Governor Agus Martowardojo in 2017.

Inflation

Inflation has been a persistent issue for the Indonesian rupiah, with high inflation rates experienced for most of its existence, dating back to 1950.

The rupiah has struggled to maintain its value over the years, with various attempts to control inflation ultimately being abandoned.

High inflation has a significant impact on the purchasing power of the rupiah, making it difficult for people to afford everyday items.

The rupiah's history of high inflation highlights the importance of economic stability and sound monetary policy for a currency's long-term success.

Indonesian Currency and Travel

Credit: youtube.com, History of the Indonesian Rupiah

The Indonesian currency is the rupiah, represented by the currency code IDR and the symbol Rp. It's the official currency used throughout Indonesia, including the island of Bali.

You'll typically find prices quoted with the abbreviation Rp before the price, and units of a thousand are represented with a full stop, rather than a comma. This means that ten thousand rupiahs would be written as Rp. 10.000 or often just Rp. 10K.

The rupiah is divided into 100 sen, but since even one rupiah doesn't carry much value, you'll find next to nothing is priced in terms of sen. Notes are used more frequently than coins in Indonesia, even for small amounts like 1,000 IDR, which is less than one British penny.

Here's a quick rundown of the most common banknotes and coins you'll encounter in Indonesia:

If you're planning to travel to Indonesia, it's a good idea to buy your Indonesian money before you leave home. You can buy IDR online and have it delivered or collect it in-store, or use an online money exchange service like S Money, which provides competitive rates and convenient delivery options.

Related reading: Currency Trading Online

US$ Real Parity (1986-1997)

Close-up of Indonesian 75,000 Rupiah commemorative banknotes featuring Sukarno and Hatta.
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up of Indonesian 75,000 Rupiah commemorative banknotes featuring Sukarno and Hatta.

The Indonesian rupiah maintained near-constant purchasing power against the US dollar from 1986 to 1997, a period known as US$ real parity.

This stability was largely due to the Bank Indonesia's (BI) control of the currency against the US dollar alone, despite an official seven-currency exchange basket.

The rupiah's value was closely tied to the difference between Indonesian inflation and US inflation, which resulted in a steady fall against the dollar over time.

By June 1997, the rupiah had fallen from its post-devaluation rate of Rp1,664 to Rp2,350, an annualized decline of slightly over 3%.

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Banknote Denominations

The Indonesian rupiah (IDR) has six banknote denominations. These denominations are widely accepted and used in everyday transactions.

You'll often come across the Rp. 2,000, Rp. 5,000, Rp. 10,000, Rp. 20,000, Rp. 50,000, and Rp. 100,000 banknotes.

The smallest current note, the Rp. 2,000, was launched by Bank Indonesia in 2009 and is now widely circulated.

Credit: youtube.com, Indonesia's 7th Banknote Series

The most common notes you'll likely deal with are the blue Rp. 50,000 banknotes or the reddish-pink Rp. 100,000.

It's worth noting that notes issued in 1998-1999 ceased to be legal tender in 2008, but you can still exchange them until 2018 at Bank Indonesia.

Here are the six banknote denominations in IDR:

Travel Money Guide

You can exchange foreign currency for Indonesian Rupiah at various airport counters in Bali, but be prepared to receive lower amounts in return due to lower exchange rates.

The Indonesian rupiah (IDR) is the official currency of Indonesia and is divided into 100 sen, although sen coins are no longer in circulation.

To get the best exchange rate, use online money changers like S Money or exchange currency at ATMs, which often offer better rates than airport exchanges or hotels.

One rupiah equates to 100 sen, but since even one rupiah does not carry much value, you will find next to nothing is priced in terms of sen.

Credit: youtube.com, BALI MONEY GUIDE - Best ATMs, Wise Debit Card & Banking | Ep.2 #smoothmovingbali

You can also exchange currency at official banks outside the airport, which typically offer better deals than hotels.

To calculate USD to IDR transactions, use the exchange rate and subtract any fees, as shown in the example: 100 USD x 15560.75 = 1,556,075 IDR, minus a $3.99 economy fee.

The largest banknote in Indonesia is worth only USD 8 or AUD 10, so you don't need to carry a lot of cash.

Here's a list of the most common mistakes to avoid when exchanging currency in Bali:

  1. Not checking your card's fees and terms of service.
  2. Airport money exchanges.
  3. Not having cash.
  4. Paying in foreign currency.
  5. Having too much cash on you.
  6. Using the ATM too many times.

To find the real-time exchange rates for foreign currency, research bank sites or official currency exchange sites, such as XE.com.

Digital

Digital currency is on the rise in Indonesia. Bank Indonesia initiated the Garuda Project to develop the country's central bank digital currency on November 30, 2022.

The digital rupiah is now legalised as a form of the rupiah, thanks to the passage of the omnibus law. This move is a significant step towards digitalising the country's financial system.

A fresh viewpoint: Digital Gold Currency

Indonesian Currency Symbol

Credit: youtube.com, Secrets of the Indonesian Rupiah

The Indonesian currency symbol is Rp, which is short for rupiah. This symbol is used to represent the value of the currency.

In Indonesia, prices are usually quoted with the abbreviation Rp before the price. For example, if you see a price tag of Rp. 10.000, it means 10,000 rupiahs.

You might see prices written as Rp. 10K, which is a shortcut for Rp. 10,000. This is a common way to write large numbers in Indonesia.

If you're unsure what a price means, you can assume that thousands are implied. For instance, if someone tells you an item costs "forty", it's reasonable to assume it's Rp. 40,000.

Here are the Indonesian bank notes you'll typically find:

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you write IDR?

The Indonesian rupiah is abbreviated as IDR. It is the official currency of Indonesia and is represented by the ISO 4217 code IDR.

Colleen Boyer

Lead Assigning Editor

Colleen Boyer is a seasoned Assigning Editor with a keen eye for compelling storytelling. With a background in journalism and a passion for complex ideas, she has built a reputation for overseeing high-quality content across a range of subjects. Her expertise spans the realm of finance, with a particular focus on Investment Theory.

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