Headline: The Cost of Counterfeiting: Uang Palsu Rp100 Ribu Production fierce
In an unexpected turn of events, Indonesian police have revealed the cost of producing counterfeit Rp100,000 notes, shedding light on the economics behind the crime. The revelation comes amidst an ongoing investigation into a counterfeiting operation based at the University of Islam Indonesia (UIN) Alauddin Makassar, Sulawesi Selatan.
Kepala Kepolisian Resor (Chief of the Regional Police) of Gowa, AKBP Reonald Simanjuntak, disclosed that the cost of producing a single Rp100,000 note amounts to a mere Rp56,000. This information is based on the confession of the suspects involved.
This revelation answers the growing curiosity about why the counterfeiters chose to mimic Rp100,000 notes instead of smaller denominations. According to AKBP Reonald, smaller denominations are not lucrative enough for the effort and materials required. "Smaller denominations are considered not profitable because the initial cost isn’t proportionate to the eventual yield," he explained.
Meanwhile, authorities have managed to retrieve the counterfeit money from circulation. AKBP Reonald assured the public that all circulating counterfeit bills have been removed, and investigations are ongoing to trace their route. He urged the public to report any suspected counterfeit money to the police or local banks.
The case has resulted in the arrest of 17 suspects. They are charged under the Anti-Money Laundering Law (UU No. 7/2017) and the Law on Illicit Gatherings (UU No.11/1971). The Chief of the Sulawesi Police, Irjen Yudhiawan, confirmed the charges.
While this story sheds light on the counterfeit industry’s economic viability, it serves as a stark reminder of the potential harm counterfeit money can cause. It underscores the importance of vigilance in money handling and the swift reporting of suspected cases.