10 IDR #253

Front

Sukarno (1901–1970), Indonesia's first president and leader of the independence movement against Dutch colonial rule. A founding father of the Indonesian Republic who served as president from 1945 to 1967, he is depicted here wearing his signature peci (traditional Indonesian cap). During his presidency he pursued non-alignment policies and helped establish the Non-Aligned Movement; this 1964 series was issued during the period of Guided Democracy and economic instability that preceded his removal from power.

Back

Geometric guilloche patterns and security designs dominating the reverse, with denomination numeral 10 within an ornate rosette at right. The text includes warnings against counterfeiting ("Barangsiapa meniru atau memalsu kan uang kertas..."), emphasizing legal penalties for forgery. The decorative elements reflect mid-20th century banknote security design conventions.

History

This note belongs to the 1964 Sukarno series issued by Bank Indonesia during a period of severe hyperinflation and economic crisis in Indonesia. Printed domestically by P.N. Pertjetakan Kebajoran (later Perum Peruri), these notes circulated briefly before currency reform in 1965-1966 devalued the rupiah at a rate of 1,000:1. The 1964 series is characterized by Sukarno's portrait on all denominations, reflecting the cult of personality during his Guided Democracy period. These notes were demonetized in 1965 following Sukarno's fall from power and replaced by new rupiah issues under the New Order government.