Prices Under HAP, Government Collaborates With Local Soybean Harvesting Private

JAKARTA The price of soybeans at the farmer level is still below the Reference Purchase Price (HAP) at the producer level of Rp. 10,775 per kilogram (kg). Therefore, the National Food Agency (Bapanas) cooperates with local governments, and private business actors absorb harvests so that prices at the farmer level remain reasonable.

The local soybean HAP itself has been stipulated in the National Food Agency Regulation Number 12 of 2024.

Head of NFA Arief Prasetyo Adi said the price of local dry ore soybeans is currently still below the set HAP. The national average as of September 16 is only IDR 9,006 per kilogram, or 16.42 percent below HAP.

"Local soybean farmers must be assisted, for example, a farmer in Pati Regency, Central Java. Especially in a price condition like now, which is heading to the local soybean harvest," he said in an official statement, Thursday, September 18.

Arief said Central Java Province itself is one of the largest soybean producer centers nationally. In data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), in 2022 it will be second with 62,000 tons for a year. Meanwhile, the largest area fell to East Java with 69,600 tons.

Bad since early September has been anticipating by moving with local governments and relevant private business actors and associations. We created connectivity so that all lines are met and run well," he said.

The projected national soybean production in 2025, based on the Soybean Balance Projection compiled by NFA as of September 2, production for a year is estimated to reach 67,100 tons. Meanwhile, consumption needs for a year are at 2.6 million tons.

The national harvest itself is estimated to start from September to November because production will increase higher than in previous months. Each in the range of 7,100 tons. Then 18,900 tons and 6,700 tons.

For this reason, Arief said that synergy between the government and business actors is needed so that the supply of local soybean production can be absorbed optimally. Specifically for Pati, Central Java is expected to be absorbed up to at least 100 tons by the end of September.

Badanas also supports the Food Distribution Facilitation (FDP) program by covering transportation costs to areas that produce soybean derivative products. In addition, local government support for farmers in the region is also very important.

"The National Food Agency has a FDP program, so the cost burden for farmer groups for the distribution of transportation outside the region can be resolved. Local governments also help by absorbing and making Reserves for Soybeans for Central Java Regional Governments," said Arief.

Arief also expressed his gratitude to private business actors and associations who are willing to work hand in hand. This spirit must be maintained together.

"Farmers and domestic business actors are both working together, food self-sufficiency can also meet," he said.

The private business actors and associations involved include PT FKS Multi Agro, PT Gerbang Cahaya Utama, PT Putra Permata Pasifik, the Association of Indonesian Tempe and Tofu Producers Cooperatives (GAKOPTINDO), the Indonesian Soybean Importers Association (AKINDO), the West Java Tofu Crafts Association, and the Nusantara Soybean Distribution Association.

This soybean business actor will continue to grow to absorb domestic soybean products in Pati Regency in line with the increasing local soybean harvest.