[HISTORY TELLING] Sejarah Oeang Republik Indonesia (ORI)

Summary

This video presents an engaging exploration of Indonesia's early currency, the ORI (Oeang Republik Indonesia). It details the challenges faced by the newly independent country in creating and circulating its own money after being colonized by the Dutch and Japanese. The story highlights the process of printing the ORI, the collaboration of various government bodies, and the struggle for Indonesia's financial identity. The video also emphasizes the importance of the 30th of October, 1946, when the ORI was officially introduced, marking a significant milestone in Indonesia's independence and national identity.

Takeaways

• 😀 The introduction of the 'Uang Republik Indonesia' (ORI) marked a significant milestone in Indonesia's independence and national identity.
• 😀 ORI was officially issued on October 30, 1946, but was dated October 17, 1945, reflecting the lengthy and challenging process of its creation.
• 😀 The issuance of ORI occurred over a year after Indonesia declared independence due to the country still being in a revolutionary state.
• 😀 Before ORI was introduced, Indonesia was still using foreign currencies like the Dutch 'Javasche Bank' and Japanese currency.
• 😀 A decree from President Sukarno on October 3, 1945, ordered the withdrawal of foreign currencies, paving the way for the creation of ORI.
• 😀 The government established a team to find modern printing presses, leading to the identification of two suitable printing facilities in Jakarta and Malang.
• 😀 The design of the ORI was created by artists Abdul Salam and Surono 6 Reka, with the first batch of printing starting in January 1946.
• 😀 Due to security concerns, the printing of ORI had to be moved to safer regions such as Yogyakarta, Surakarta, Malang, and Ponorogo.
• 😀 ORI's legal status was confirmed with the announcement on October 30, 1946, making it the official currency of Indonesia.
• 😀 National Currency Day is celebrated on October 30 every year in honor of the introduction of ORI, symbolizing Indonesia's economic and national sovereignty.

Q & A

What is the significance of the term 'ORI' in the context of Indonesia's currency?

ORI refers to 'Oeang Republik Indonesia,' the first official currency of Indonesia, issued after the country declared its independence in 1945. It symbolized the nation's sovereignty and was used as the official currency during the early years of independence.

Why was ORI introduced 14 months after Indonesia's independence?

ORI was introduced 14 months after independence because, during the revolution, Indonesia was still using the colonial Dutch 'Javasche Bank' currency and Japanese occupation currency. It took time to establish a new currency, amidst the ongoing conflict and instability.

What challenges delayed the issuance of the ORI after independence?

The delay was due to the revolutionary period, where the country was still in conflict. Additionally, there was a lack of infrastructure for printing new currency, and existing foreign currencies like the Dutch and Japanese money were still in circulation.

Which institutions played a role in printing the first ORI notes?

The first ORI notes were printed by two main printing presses: 'Jecof Printing' in Jakarta and 'Nederlandsch-Indische Metalwerk' in Kendalpayak, Malang. They were selected for their modern printing technology.

What key event marked the official circulation of ORI?

The official circulation of ORI began on October 30, 1946, at midnight, following the announcement through Ministerial Decree. This date is now celebrated as 'National Currency Day' in Indonesia.

How did Indonesia manage the circulation of old currencies before introducing ORI?

Before ORI was introduced, the government implemented regulations to withdraw and store the old Dutch and Japanese currencies. They were collected in designated banks like Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI), Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI), and others, limiting the public to holding only 50 Japanese yen for daily use.

What unique feature is found in the design and issuance date of the ORI banknotes?

Although the ORI was officially circulated in October 1946, the banknotes themselves were marked with an emission date of October 17, 1945. This reflects the long process of currency design and preparation before distribution.

Who were the key individuals involved in the creation of the ORI banknotes?

Key individuals in the creation of the ORI included Bunyamin Suryo Harjo, who worked on the design and materials, and artists like Abdul Salam and Surono, who were responsible for the first illustrations of the currency.

What does the term 'ejaan lama' refer to in the context of the ORI currency?

'Ejaan lama' refers to the old spelling system used during the time of ORI's issuance. For example, the term 'Oeang' was spelled with an 'oe' in the old orthography, which is now spelled 'Uang' following the adoption of the 'ejaan soewandi' (new spelling system).

What role did the Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) play in the process of ORI's issuance?

The Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) played an essential role in the committee responsible for the establishment and printing of ORI, alongside other key institutions like the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Information.