Lebak Tofu Crafters Siasati Soybean Prices Soaring: Its Size Is Made Small

JAKARTA - Tofu craftsmen in Lebak Regency, Banten have returned to production after the last three days of a strike action following an increase in soybean prices in the market.

"We are getting around to reducing production so that we can continue to sell and make a little profit after soybean prices soar," said Herman, a tofu craftsman in Rangkasbitung, Lebak Regency, as reported by Antara, Tuesday, January 5.

The price of soybeans in the market since the last week which was quite expensive has hit the tofu craftsmen and forced to stop production so that the government can stabilize the soybeans again.

Because, if the price of soybeans is not stabilized there is a concern that craftsmen will be threatened with bankruptcy.

Currently, the price of soybeans has reached IDR470 thousand from the previous IDR370 thousand / sack weighing 50 kilograms per sack.

"The increase is quite high, reaching Rp. 100,000," he explained.

He also racked his brain so that his business could take place and could reap a profit by reducing the number of tofu sold to consumers.

If production is not reduced, it will be certain to lose, because consumers will have enough objections if the price of tofu is increased.

"We are confused if it is not reduced in size, it will be certain to go out of business," he said.

Likewise, Soleh (55), a resident of Rangkasbitung, Lebak Regency, said that he is now reducing sales, which was originally one package containing 10 units of tofu.

However, it is now reduced to 8 units with a selling price of Rp10 thousand.

So far, the price of soybeans as raw material for tofu has soared from Rp7,500 per kilogram to Rp. 9,000 per kilogram.

"We are sure that the price of imported soybeans will not decrease due to the COVID-19 pandemic," he said.

Meanwhile, Head of Industry and Trade Office of Lebak Regency, Dedi Rahmat, invited tofu and tempe craftsmen to stay afloat to produce business because the increase in soybeans did not last long.

Currently, the government has intervened to stabilize the price of soybeans so that the tofu and tempe producers can return to production and reap profits.

"We have reported the tofu and tempeh strike to be handled quickly by the central and provincial governments," he said.