On Monday, May 18, Universitas Padjadjaran held a monetary policy discussion at the Faculty of Economics and Business aimed at increasing public awareness and financial literacy regarding the importance of the rupiah. The activity focused on understanding the rupiah as a symbol of sovereignty, national identity, and pride for the Indonesian people. The rupiah serves not only as a medium of transaction, but also reflects the stability and strength of Indonesia’s economy in the eyes of both the public and the international community. Through this event, participants were encouraged to understand the importance of protecting, respecting, and valuing the rupiah in everyday life as a form of patriotism and economic responsibility.
The event was attended not only by students, but also by representatives from academic institutions and related organizations. Vice Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business, Prof. Sunu Widianto, S.E., M.Sc., Ph.D., attended as a representative of the faculty leadership. Representatives from Bank Indonesia (BI) were also present, including Mr. Ahmad Sukma Dijaya. In addition, Jenni Lestari served as the chairperson of the organizing committee, Iren Yuli Patricia Tambunan attended as the Chairperson of GenBI Universitas Padjadjaran, and Irvel Christa Fabian acted as the main moderator representing GenBI throughout the event.
This activity was attended by participants from various educational institutions, particularly students from the Faculty of Economics and Business at Universitas Padjadjaran as the hosting institution. Participants from Institut Koperasi Indonesia (IKOPIN) and Universitas Widyatama also took part enthusiastically in the series of discussions, presentations, and interactive question-and-answer sessions conducted during the event. The participants demonstrated strong enthusiasm and active engagement throughout the program, reflecting the growing concern of young generations toward current economic conditions and the future stability of the rupiah.
In his presentation, Prof. Sunu Widianto, S.E., M.Sc., Ph.D., explained that the rupiah exchange rate, which has reached Rp17,500 per US dollar, serves as a serious warning sign that requires careful attention, particularly regarding the future stability of the national economy. According to him, the continued strengthening of the US dollar not only increases import costs and weakens people’s purchasing power, but also has the potential to affect inflation, investment, and the sustainability of business sectors that depend heavily on imported raw materials and international transactions.
Amid increasingly complex global pressures, he emphasized that appropriate economic policies, financial market stability, and strategic government measures are crucial in maintaining public confidence in the rupiah. Although the current situation presents significant challenges, he stated that it should also become a valuable lesson for Indonesia in building a more independent, adaptive, and sustainable economy in the future.
Meanwhile, Mr. Ahmad Sukma Dijaya explained the importance of protecting and valuing the rupiah as a symbol of national sovereignty as well as a crucial instrument in maintaining economic stability. He emphasized that fluctuations in the rupiah exchange rate should be addressed with a sense of pride, awareness, and responsibility in using the rupiah in daily transactions.
He also highlighted the importance of maintaining the quality and authenticity of rupiah banknotes in order to prevent the circulation of counterfeit money. Therefore, the public was encouraged to understand how to identify genuine banknotes through the 3D method: Look, Feel, and Tilt (Dilihat, Diraba, dan Diterawang). In addition, he introduced the implementation of the 5J principles in caring for rupiah banknotes: Do not fold (Jangan Dilipat), do not crumple (Jangan Diremas), do not staple (Jangan Distaples), do not wet (Jangan Dibasahi), and do not scribble on the money (Jangan Dicoret). By applying both the 3D method and the 5J principles, people can better recognize authentic rupiah banknotes while also preserving their quality and durability.
Furthermore, he affirmed that BI (Bank Indonesia) continues to improve the quality and security features of rupiah banknotes through advanced innovations and sophisticated security technologies. Indonesian banknotes have received international recognition and were acknowledged as among the best banknotes in 2023 and 2026 due to their outstanding security systems.
Through this activity, Universitas Padjadjaran and BI (Bank Indonesia) hope to encourage younger generations to become more aware of the importance of maintaining the value, dignity, and stability of the rupiah amid global economic uncertainty. It is also hoped that the rupiah will become more stable in the future, strengthen the national economy, and inspire all members of society to work together in preserving the honor and integrity of Indonesia’s national currency.
