Observers Of The Discourse On Providing Soybean Subsidy To Importers: Fun Governments Also

Illustration (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - Economist and Executive Director of the Center of Economic and Law Studies (Celios) Bhima Yudhistira assessed that the proposal of Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan regarding soybean subsidies directly to importers was not the right solution.

This is because soybean importer subsidies do not provide benefits for soybean craftsmen and end consumers.

"The government is actually subsidizing importers, it's funny too. The final consumers don't necessarily benefit. Importers are subsidized, but the price of the craftsmen can be higher," Bhima told reporters in Jakarta, Thursday, January 19.

According to him, the policy scheme will actually cause new problems.

When importers receive subsidies, they have the power to play with the margin.

"Because importers will also have new problems regarding margin transparency, so margin transparency must also be taken into account," said Bhima.

Bhima is of the opinion that the birth of the soybean subsidy discourse is due to data collection barriers at the level of craftsmen. This is because most soybean craftsmen come from the informal sector.

Nevertheless, Bhima still disagrees if the solution taken is to provide subsidies to importers.

"I think it's better to stay with the craftsmen or end consumers in the form of cash assistance, that's how it is, to compensate for the tofu and tempeh price, which may go up, it's much more targeted," he explained.

For your information, the Minister of Trade, Zulkifli Hasan, or often called Zulhas, suggested that the soybean price difference subsidy that had been given to to tofu and tempe craftsmen could be given directly through importers.

This is to facilitate the provision of subsidies which have been considered complicated.

"I believe in entrepreneurs. As for the old Bulog," he told reporters, Monday, January 16.

Zulhas said, so far for soybean commodities, Indonesia still depends on imports.