The Bank of Indonesia has released different kinds of currency notes and currencies throughout the country’s history. Most of these have unique and exciting features that would spark the interest of any avid collector. The largest denomination in this series of bank notes is the 100,000 Indonesian Rupiah. It is always worth finding out as much as possible about any paper currency before purchasing it in order to make a more informed decision.
Introduction of the 100,000 Indonesian Rupiah
This paper currency was initially put into circulation in 2004. At the time, inflation in the country was at an all-time high and the government had to step in to provide citizens with an easier way of doing business because most of the coins had become obsolete. It was introduced to help in preventing some of the notes of lower denominations from undergoing a similar fate. Since then, it has served as the nation’s largest currency and was recently re-issued in 2011. This second generation maintained some designs from the original versions but was fitted with additional security features.
Its Unique Design
What makes this paper currency such a catch for collectors is its unique design. It is a note unlike any other, and you are highly unlikely to encounter anything like it. This is primarily because it has two portraits on the obverse side. These are the images of Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta, the first president and vice president of the country, respectively. The two played a great role in liberating Indonesia from Dutch colonial rule and stabilizing the diverse nation in the early years following independence. It, therefore, comes as no surprise that they have been accorded with the highest honor by being placed on the largest denomination. The presence of two individuals on a single note is a unique feature that makes this note one of those must-haves.
A Rich History
Like any other currency from around the world, it bears witness to the country’s history. That is why the DPR/MPR Building, the complex that houses the country’s two houses of parliament, has been featured on the reverse side. Commissioned in the mid-60s, the DPR/MPR Building has been central to all the legislations that have been passed since its creation, and including it on the highest currency underscores the fact that Indonesia is a country governed by the rule of law. In addition to this, it has been a location where some of the most significant moments in the country’s history have taken place, including the 1998 occupation by students striking against extrajudicial killings. The building’s presence on the paper currency is a reminder to Indonesians of these historical events. This banknote, which holds so much history, would be a great addition to any private collection.
Security Measures
A primary concern among central banks is the security of their currencies against counterfeiting, and that is why the second iteration of this note included some of the most sophisticated security features found in modern currency. Some of these are visible to the naked human eye, such as watermarks and electrotype. One of the outstanding features is the EURion constellation, which has been added to prevent fraudsters from counterfeiting the note with photo editing software and color photocopiers. In addition to this, the Indonesian government has factored in the type of surface the banknote is printed on by using abaca fiber. Visually impaired people can also determine the authenticity of a note given to them as the paper currency has been engraved created using intaglio printing techniques.
