Bank Indonesia (BI) has announced its much-anticipated new money exchange program for Lebaran 2025, aimed at facilitating cash needs during the festive season. Dubbed the Semarak Rupiah Ramadhan and Berkah Idul Fitri (SERAMBI), the program will operate from March 3 to March 27, 2025, with a total budget of Rp 180.9 trillion allocated for new cash exchange.
This initiative marks another significant effort by BI to meet rising cash demands associated with the festive celebrations, which are traditionally marked by higher spending. According to Deputy Governor Doni Primanto Joewono, "The cash needs during Idul Fitri usually reach around 25 percent of the total cash demand throughout the year," highlighting the program's timely relevance.
Exchanges will be facilitated across 4,000 locations throughout Indonesia, of which 1,200 will be directly managed by Bank Indonesia. The remaining locations will involve partnerships with various banks, ensuring broad accessibility to the public. Users will have the opportunity to exchange up to Rp 4.3 million each, reflecting an increase from last year’s cap of Rp 4 million.
To streamline the process and avoid long queues, BI has introduced online registration through their Pintar BI platform. This system not only enhances efficiency but also aids in managing the expected crowd during the peak exchange period. Doni added, "To reduce crowded (keramaian), we no longer accept customers who come directly without online registration, but require them to use our application, pintar.bi.go.id, so everything can be orderly and information can be clear there,” making it clear how imperative the online pre-registration process is.
For those wanting to take part in this year’s program, completing the exchange through Pintar BI involves several simplified steps. Participants can visit the official site, navigate to the “Penukaran Uang Rupiah Melalui Kas Keliling” option, and select their preferred province and location for the exchange. Next, they will choose from available dates and fill out the required personal information, such as their NIK (National ID Number), full name, active phone number, and email address.
After filling out these details, users will receive confirmation of their exchange time and location. It's important for participants to prepare accordingly and bring the correct denominations to be exchanged, with cash organized by denomination and year of issue.
BI has also set specific requirements for those participating in the cash exchange process to promote smooth transactions. Individuals must show their reservation proof, which can be either digital or printed, on the day of exchange. The money to be exchanged should be prepared following the guidelines: sorted and separated between banknotes still fit for circulation and those not fit for circulation.
The additional protocols are intended to make the entire exchange process more organized and manage expectations. Participants should also note not to group their cash using adhesive tape or staples, as BI aims to promote best practices when handling money.
Despite the reduction of cash allocated compared to last year - when the total was Rp 183.8 trillion - this year's program reflects BI's overall strategy to adapt to the increasing trend of non-cash transactions among the populace. Many families are now incorporating digital payments when giving gifts during Lebaran festivities, prompting BI to adjust its offerings accordingly.
Overall, the SERAMBI 2025 program is positioned to meet the needs of the community during one of Indonesia's most celebrated periods, ensuring families have the cash they require to engage fully in the holiday festivities from buying gifts to making charitable donations.