Fact Check: No New Rupiah Banknotes Featuring Prabowo and Gibran to Be Issued in June 2026

Fact Check: No New Rupiah Banknotes with Prabowo and Gibran to Be Issued in June 2026

Fact Check: A recent claim circulating online suggested that Bank Indonesia (BI) would issue new Rupiah banknotes featuring President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka in June 2026. The images, shared widely on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X, and YouTube, depicted the Garuda Pancasila emblem and BI insignia alongside the two political figures on Rp18,000 and Rp1,000,000 denominations. However, after thorough investigation, it was confirmed that these banknotes were not officially released in June 2026, and the visuals were AI-generated fabrications.

Verification Process and Official Response

Tempo’s Fact Check team conducted a detailed analysis to verify the authenticity of the circulating images. Using advanced AI content detection tools and cross-referencing with official BI sources, they found that the designs were not part of any formal announcement. BI clarified in a statement dated June 15, 2026, that no new banknotes were issued during that period, stating,

“The Rp18,000 Rupiah note you attached is not available, and Bank Indonesia has never issued this denomination.”

This underscores the importance of verifying claims before they gain traction on social media platforms.

Bank Indonesia’s official website and social media accounts were scrutinized for any mention of the new designs, and no evidence of the Rp18,000 or Rp1,000,000 notes was found. The institution emphasized that all currency updates undergo rigorous review and are formally communicated to the public. This process ensures transparency and prevents the spread of misinformation, which is critical in maintaining public trust in the country’s financial systems.

Image Analysis and AI Detection

Each image was examined for digital anomalies, with AI detection tools playing a key role in identifying synthetic content. The Rp18,000 note featuring the National Monument (Monas) was flagged as 77% AI-generated, likely created using OpenAI’s GPT-40 model. Zhuque AI Detector Assistant confirmed a 99.14% probability that the design was not authentic, highlighting inconsistencies in the background patterns and typography.

The second image, showing Prabowo and Gibran on the Rp18,000 note, was identified as 99.8% AI-generated. Zhuque’s analysis noted the seamless integration of traditional currency elements with modern, food-related imagery, which was described as “a fusion of authentic design and engineered content.” Meanwhile, the Rp1,000,000 bill was labeled 99.9% artificial by Hive Moderation, with a 55.4% chance of being generated by Google DeepMind’s Imagen4 model and 44.4% linked to Gemini. While Gemini contested the claim, the consensus among tools indicated the image was highly synthetic.

Historical Context of Rupiah Banknotes

To better understand the significance of the claim, it’s important to consider the history of Rupiah banknotes in Indonesia. Since 2000, Bank Indonesia has introduced several design updates, including the 2000-series and 2005-series notes, which featured prominent national figures such as former President Megawati Sukarnoputri and cultural icons like the Sunda Kalong. These changes are typically announced months in advance, allowing time for public consultation and printing preparations.

The current claim about Rp18,000 and Rp1,000,000 notes aligns with a pattern of misinformation often seen during periods of economic uncertainty. In May to mid-June 2026, the Rupiah experienced fluctuations against foreign currencies, prompting speculation about potential reforms. While the new designs were not part of any official plan, they were used as a satirical or critical representation of the currency’s challenges, reflecting how digital media can amplify public sentiment in real-time.

Implications for Public Trust

The rapid spread of AI-generated images raises concerns about public trust in financial information. Misinformation can lead to confusion, especially when it involves widely recognized symbols like the Garuda Pancasila and BI logos. Tempo’s Fact Check highlights the need for critical thinking and verification, particularly in the age of deepfake technology and automated content creation.

Such fabrications can also impact consumer behavior. If people believe the new notes are genuine, they may alter their spending habits or question the stability of the currency. This underscores the role of media literacy in distinguishing between factual updates and digital hoaxes. By fact-checking claims, organizations like Tempo help ensure that the public receives accurate information, fostering informed decision-making and confidence in the nation’s financial institutions.

Conclusion and Further Verification

In conclusion, the claim of new Rupiah banknotes featuring Prabowo and Gibran being issued in June 2026 is unfounded. The images were AI-generated, circulated without official endorsement, and likely used to critique the Rupiah’s performance during the preceding months. This Fact Check serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying information, especially when it involves significant financial changes that can influence public perception.

If you have additional information or assertions requiring further Fact Check, contact our ChatBot or email cekfakta@tempo.co.id for detailed analysis. Stay informed, stay critical, and let’s continue fact-checking to ensure accuracy in the digital age.