Bank Indonesia and Navy launch 2026 Sovereign Rupiah Expedition

Bank Indonesia and the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) have launched the 2026 Sovereign Rupiah Expedition (ERB) to distribute legal tender to remote, outermost, and frontier (3T) regions across Indonesia.

In South Sulawesi, the expedition departed from Selayar Island on October 13, 2026, using the KRI Marlin-877. This mission aims to distribute Rp25 billion in circulation-worthy Rupiah to various islands, covering a route of 410 nautical miles including Makassar and Pulau Gondong Bali.

In the eastern regions, a separate phase of the expedition departed from Sorong on October 20, 2026, utilizing the KRI Layaran-854. This mission focuses on West Papua and Southwest Papua, providing Rp10.6 billion to reach six areas, including Kaimana, Namatota, and Waisai. Beyond currency exchange, the program includes health services, stunting prevention, and national education. This collaboration between Bank Indonesia and the Navy has been ongoing since 2012 to overcome geographical and infrastructural challenges in the archipelago.