Trade Minister Zulhas: President Jokowi Orders Logistics Agency For Soybean Imports

Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan while monitoring the prices of basic necessities at Bukateja Market, Purbalingga, Central Java. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

PURBALINGGA - Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan (Mendag Zulhas) said the government through Perum Bulog would import 350,000 tons of soybeans to overcome the increase in commodity prices.

"Soybeans did increase. This must have been bought in July-August, because it was expensive. For that, President Joko Widodo immediately ordered at yesterday's meeting for Bulog to import soybeans," Zulhas said as quoted by Antara, Friday, November 4.

According to him, the increase in soybean prices was influenced by the rising price of international soybeans and the weakening of the rupiah.

The price of imported soybeans has repeatedly scored the highest level since the beginning of the year.

On January 31, 2022, the price of soybeans was observed at IDR 12,600 per kilogram (kg). Then in June 2022, the price will be IDR 14,100 per kg.

Furthermore, on July 1, 2022, the price will be Rp. 14,200 per kg. The price of imported soybeans continues to rise to Rp. 14,300 per kg on September 29, 2022.

Zulhas added, Bulog will import soybeans at a price of around Rp. 11,000 per kg and will be sold domestically for Rp. 10,000, so that the government subsidizes the remaining price.

These soybeans will be imported from several countries, including the United States and Canada.

"Travels to Indonesia are around 40-50 days. So, December 2022 we already have cheap soybeans, which is IDR 10,000 per kg," said Zulkifli.