Anticipating Eid Al-Fitr, BI Prepares Rp158 Trillion Cash

Jakarta, InfoPublik - Bank Indonesia (BI) is committed to preparing a cash outflow estimated at Rp157.96 trillion for this year's Ramadan/Eid Al-Fitr, down by 17.7% (yoy) compared to last year's period.

"The outflow have taken into account the anticipated needs during Ramadan, the Eid holiday, and the Government's policies and stimulus to the public during the management of COVID-19 outbreak, including the implementation of Large Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB)," said BI Communication Department Executive Director Onny Widjanarko on a press release received by InfoPublik, Sunday (17/05/2020).

According to him, the highest cash demand for this year's Ramadan/Eid Al-Fitr came from the Greater Jakarta area, which is predicted to reach Rp38 trillion.

"In preventing the spread of COVID-19, BI always urges people to use non-cash payment transactions through digital banking, electronic money, and QR Code Payment with the QRIS standard (QR Code Indonesian Standard)," he said, adding that this year BI only provides money exchange service in bank counters. This is different from the tradition, considering humanitarian and public health aspects in mitigating the spread of Covid-19money exchange services at public places such as at the National Monument (Monas) area and traditional markets are cancelled.

BI has coordinated and requested the banks to strictly adhering to the Covid-19 prevention protocol during the PSBB period that has been strictly determined by the Government while providing such services.

"The protocol includes using masks, body temperature scanning, and adhere to physical distancing," said Onny.

Money exchange service will be provided at 3,742 bank Branch Offices (KC) throughout Indonesia, which comprises of 344 bank branch offices in the Greater Jakarta area and 3,398 bank branch offices in regions outside Jabodetabek starting from 29 April to 20 May.

BI urges the public to strictly adhere to the Covid-19 prevention protocol and pay attention to the implementation of the PSBB policy implemented by the local government.

"BI continues to coordinate with banks and Rupiah Money Processing Services Providers to ensure the availability of money worthy of circulation and continue to educate the public about discipline in maintaining hygiene when dealing with cash in order to mitigate the spread of Covid-19," he concluded. (Photo: ANTARA FOTO, Reporter: Isma, Translator: Penni P. Rusman)