RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Indonesia launched the 2026 Rupiah Sovereignty Expedition to deliver fit currency and financial services to remote islands in Papua. The mission departed from Jayapura on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 through collaboration between Bank Indonesia, the Papua Provincial Government, and the Indonesian Navy.

The expedition uses KRI Mata Bongsang (873) to reach five islands in Papua from August 4 to 10. The destinations include Pai, Owi, Numfor, Bepondi, and Yapen islands.

Papua Deputy Governor, Aryoko Rumaropen, said the mission addresses financial access challenges across the province's vast archipelagic geography. He said the rupiah represents not only a means of payment but also national sovereignty and unity.

"Papua has vast and challenging geographical conditions, making collaboration between Bank Indonesia, the Indonesian Navy, local governments, and all stakeholders essential. This partnership ensures public services reach every citizen without exception, " he said.

The expedition will provide fit rupiah banknotes while promoting the "Love, Be Proud, and Understand the Rupiah" campaign. The program also seeks to strengthen financial literacy among young people in remote communities.

Bank Indonesia Papua Representative Warsono said cash remains the preferred payment method in many frontier, outermost, and disadvantaged regions. However, banknotes circulating in those areas are often heavily worn after repeated use.

"We are mandated to provide sufficient quantities of rupiah in the right denominations and in good condition. Reaching more than 17,000 islands would not be possible without the support of the Indonesian Navy," he said.

The Papua Provincial Government said the expedition demonstrates the state's commitment to providing equitable public services in remote areas. Officials added that the initiative also strengthens economic sovereignty across Indonesia's easternmost islands.

The 2026 Rupiah Sovereignty Expedition reflects Indonesia's broader effort to expand financial inclusion in isolated communities. It also reinforces the rupiah's role as a symbol of national sovereignty and equal access to financial services.