TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Police and Bank Indonesia (BI) are coordinating to enhance supervision to prevent the circulation of counterfeit money before Eid al-Fitr, the head of the National Police Criminal Investigation Board (Bareskrim) said.

"We are cooperating with Bank Indonesia and other banks to prevent the circulation of counterfeit money," Commissioner General Budi Waseso, the Bareskrim chief, stated here on Tuesday.

He added that a number of officers had been deployed at shopping centers and money exchange points to keep an eye out for its circulation.

"The officers actively monitor the money exchanged while shopping," he remarked.

The commissioner general believes that the distribution of fake notes will increase before Eid, although he cannot predict the value.

Moreover, Deputy Governor of Bank Indonesia Ronald Waas appealed to people to avoid panders when they want to exchange their money.

"Do not approach panders as they are prone to counterfeiting money," Waas urged.

He also pointed out that there are several disadvantages of using panders to exchange money, such as paying an exchange fee and the risk of fake notes.

Numerous cases of circulation of counterfeit notes continue to occur, generally of Rp50,000 denomination banknotes and Rp100,000 denomination banknotes.

"The ratio of counterfeit money is 15 bills to one million. This figure refers to known cases," he revealed.

In addition, at official money exchange points, people have to provide a proof of identity to prevent multiple exchange transactions.

The amount that can be exchanged by the public is limited to Rp3.7 million per person.

ANTARA