TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Bank Indonesia never issue a permit to use candy as a means of transaction replacing rupiah. The use of candies instead of cash for a small exchange mostly found at modern retailers or groceries.
Djoko Raharto, Head of Bank Indonesia representative office in Kediri stated that his office strictly bans the use of candy as a payment system. He warned the retailers about the illegal activities towards their customers.
“We strictly ban the use of candy as a payment system,” he told Tempo on Wednesday, December 13.
Djoko added that the small coin's availability is very limited. The coins issued by Bank Indonesia barely ever circulate back to them either because they are being kept or abandoned.
“The coins could either end up as a collection or they just don’t want to use it,” said Djoko.
The common use of candy to replace small coins have sparked criticism from the public.
Most people do not consider candy as a legitimate currency to replace rupiah. “Let me reverse the situation, am I allowed to purchase an item with candy?” said Riza Umami, a housewife from Kediri.
Riza admitted that she often receives candies as a small exchange from modern retailers or groceries.
Hari Tri Wasono Kediri
