Cash Demand Rises in Bali: Bank Indonesia Prepares IDR 3.3 Trillion for Nyepi and Eid 2026


Bali Representative Office of Bank Indonesia has prepared Rp3.3 trillion in cash for the upcoming National Religious Holidays period from February to March 2026.

This initiative is part of the Ramadan Celebration of Rupiah and Eid Blessings or SERAMBI 2026, running from February 19 to March 13, 2026, aimed at ensuring sufficient cash availability ahead of Nyepi and Eid al-Fitr.

The program was officially launched on Thursday, February 19, in Denpasar, marking the start of cash exchange services and public financial education activities.

Erwin Soeriadimadja, Head of the Bank Indonesia Representative Office in Bali, emphasized SERAMBI’s strategic role as the demand for small-denomination notes typically rises before religious holidays.

“Moreover, Bali as a tourist destination is expected to see a surge in visitors during the long holiday, which further drives cash demand among the public,” Erwin said.

Large and Small Denom

Nationally, Bank Indonesia projects that cash demand for the National Religious Holidays period will rise by 15.1% to Rp185.6 trillion. In Bali, cash requirements are expected to increase by around 6% from Rp3.1 trillion in 2025 to Rp3.3 trillion in 2026, consisting of Rp3.1 trillion in large denominations and Rp236 billion in small denominations.

To meet the exchange needs, BI and banks have set up 43 service points with a total of 169 services across Bali. This year, the cash exchange quota has been increased to 22,286 packages. The public is encouraged to make reservations via the Pintar application to ensure orderly and scheduled service.

The Bali Provincial Government expressed appreciation for the synergy between BI and the banking sector. I Wayan Ekadina, Expert Staff for Economic and Financial Affairs of Bali Province, said the cash exchange services during National Religious Holidays period reflect the communal spirit of Balinese society amid cultural diversity while also demonstrating a sustainably growing regional economy.

The SERAMBI program also included the symbolic distribution of social assistance under the Family Hope Program and basic food programs to beneficiary families. Non-cash distribution is expected to increase transparency, improve policy transmission efficiency, and ensure aid reaches the right targets.

BI also launched the Mobile Cash Services flag-off from 12 banks in Bali. Citizens are urged to exchange money only through official services and optimize digital transactions such as mobile banking, e-money, and QRIS. Through SERAMBI 2026, BI aims to meet cash demand during Ramadan, Nyepi, and Idulfitri while strengthening unity among the Balinese community.

85 Exchange Services

Meanwhile, the Representative Office of Bank Indonesia in West Nusa Tenggara has also prepared Rp3.3 trillion in cash to support Ramadan and Idulfitri 2026.

Hario Kartiko Pamungkas, Head of the Bank Indonesia Representative Office in West Nusa Tenggara, explained that the cash is part of BI’s mandate to provide currency in accordance with the law.

“Bank Indonesia responds to this period by ensuring the fulfillment of cash needs for the public amid challenges such as geography, weather, and distribution routes,” Hario said in an official statement on Thursday, February 19, 2026.

Nationally, Hario noted, projected cash demand during Ramadan and Idulfitri 2026 is expected to reach Rp185.6 trillion, an increase of 15.1% from last year’s Rp161 trillion.

In West Nusa Tenggara, cash needs are projected at Rp3.07 trillion, up 27.48% from the previous year. To meet this demand, the BI office in West Nusa Tenggara has prepared Rp3.3 trillion in cash.

“Several factors drive increased cash demand, including salary and payments of Religious Holiday Allowance for civil servants, military, police, and private sectors, social assistance disbursement, and heightened economic activity due to seasonal factors, such as increased mobility and tourist visits during long holidays,” Hario explained.

Lalu M. Faozal, Acting Regional Secretary of West Nusa Tenggara, urged the public to shop wisely and utilize official cash exchange services.

“We advise citizens to avoid exchanging money in illegal places that risk counterfeit notes or incorrect amounts,” Faozal said.

To ensure accessibility, BI and banks will provide exchange services at 85 points across the province from February 27 to March 12, 2026. Mobile cash services will reach remote 3T areas, and joint exchanges with banks will be centralized at the Islamic Center parking lot from March 9–12, 2026.

“We prepare denomination packages to ensure fairness and equitable access for all citizens,” Hario concluded.

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