500 Rupiah IDR #260

Front

Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii), a critically endangered great ape species native to the rainforests of Sumatra. The orangutan, labeled 'ORANG UTAN' on the note, is one of Indonesia's most iconic and protected wildlife species. The front also features the Indonesian national emblem Garuda Pancasila at upper right, and signatures of the Governor (Gubernur) and Director (Direktur) of Bank Indonesia from the 1992 series.

Back

General Soedirman (1916–1950), Indonesian military leader and the first commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces during the Indonesian National Revolution. He led guerrilla resistance against Dutch forces during the independence struggle despite suffering from tuberculosis, and is revered as a national hero. The reverse also displays the Indonesian coat of arms (Garuda Pancasila) and the year 1968, referencing the earlier series design elements that were retained in this denomination.

History

This note belongs to the 1992 series of Indonesian rupiah, issued by Bank Indonesia. The series was printed by Perum Percetakan Uang Republik Indonesia (PERURI), the state printing company. The 500 Rupiah denomination featuring the orangutan was part of Indonesia's effort to highlight its unique biodiversity and national heroes. This series circulated through the 1990s and was gradually replaced by coins and higher-denomination notes as inflation reduced the purchasing power of smaller denominations. The note was officially demonetized in 2010.