In Reply to: Actually, yes some way into the future posted by JennyWren on Wednesday, 3. December 2008 at 08:22 Bali Time:
I read it as they would not be accepted at shops (or elsewhere except banks)as payment, as they would not be legal tender after Dec 31st.
'With the retrieval of these rupiah notes from circulation as of 31 December 2008, these notes will not be accepted as payment (legal tender),'
And no it's no big deal or a need to panic as most people won't even have these particular old notes, or be likely to get them from moneychangers (and if they do, yes, the bank will change.)
It was only posted for interest value & for those who may have rupiah from holidays before & intend to use on the next trip perhaps
(eg I had the old 10000rp notes this last trip in Sept)
If it is from the 31st, I know I'd rather get rid of mine in payment before then, rather than have to change at the bank later :)