Kupang, E Nusa Tenggara (ANTARA) - Bank Indonesia (BI) Representative Office in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) collaborated with the Indonesian Navy in holding the 2023 Sovereign Rupiah Expedition by targeting five underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost (3T) areas.

"The (3T) islands are Adonara Island and Solor Island in East Flores District, Lewoleba Island in Lembata District, and Alor Island and Pantar Island in Alor District," Head of BI NTT Representative Office Stefanus Donny Heatubun stated here on Saturday.

Heatubun said that the operation of the 2023 Sovereign Rupiah Expedition uses the state warship (KRI) Escolar 871 owned by the Navy Main Base VII - Kupang.

The expedition is held for five days from May 20 to May 25.

Heatubun said that the Sovereign Rupiah Expedition is aimed at assisting people in the 3T areas to help them return damaged currency, or known as the clean money policy implementation.

The expedition is also aimed at maintaining rupiah availability in remote areas, especially denominations that the communities need.

"This is also part of BI's efforts to map real efforts that can be made, to increase the rupiah existence, and encourage the economy in remote and border areas through informative activities," he stated.

One of the educational activities to increase people's sense of pride for the rupiah is through the Love, Pride and Understanding of Rupiah (CBP).

Meanwhile, Deputy Commander of the Navy Main Base VII - Kupang, Colonel Aris Budiadi, stated that synergy is necessary to support Indonesia's ideals of maintaining its sovereignty in its 3T regions.

"To support that, we need collaboration in maintaining the sovereignty of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI)," he affirmed.

According to Budiadi, the Navy expected that the expedition can prevent foreign currencies from being used in NTT remote regions that border two countries, Timor-Leste and Australia.

Baca juga: Regions asked to set aside 2% of budget for tackling inflation

Baca juga: NTT Focusing stunting handling on 19,291 under-two children