'Funny Money': No Laughing Matter
Power, collusion and a weak monitor system have all contributed to the increase in counterfeit money over the years. The money can come from anywhere. The Indonesian Military (TNI), for example, is suspected of being behind the counterfeiting of Rp100,000 banknotes. A team has been established, but those big fish still swim free.
July 10, 2001
Martono holds the Rp100,000 bill up against the neon light. With his left eye narrowed, his right eye carefully examines it. "Ah, this is real," he says smiling. The 61-year-old is right to be alert. For the month of June alone, this owner of a cigarette stall in South Jakarta received three fake Rp100,000 bills. It nearly ate up all of his capital. "I almost closed this stall," he says.
Martono is not the only one. When y
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