Entering Political Year, Buwas Wanti-wanti Tempe Tofu Crafts Don't Be Politicized

Bulog President Director Budi Waseso (Buwas) (Photo: Mery Handayani/VOI)

JAKARTA - President Director of Perum Bulog, Budi Waseso, warned that the tempe year craftsmen would not be politicized regarding soybean importation. The reason is, currently Indonesia is entering its political year.

Buwas, Budi Waseso's nickname, said he was worried that certain parties would use tofu and tempe craftsmen for their political and business interests alone.

"This is a political year, don't let tempeh tofu craftsmen be rolled out for political interests, don't," said Buwas when met at the Bulog Headquarters, Kuningan, South Jakarta, Thursday, February 2.

Buwas said, he wanted to meet the needs of the small industry through the supply of imported soybeans at low prices.

However, Buwas admitted that the move was quite heavy because there were parties who were offended. This is due to the practice of cartels related to soybeans.

In fact, Buwas admitted that Bulog would accept threats if the corporate action was carried out.

"In fact, I want to fulfill this, for a long time I have wanted to fulfill that. But there must be something uncomfortable," he said.

As is known, Bulog received an assignment from the government to bring in 350,000 tons of soybeans. However, the commitment obtained by the company is more than 500,000 tons of soybeans.

Buwas said the 500,000 tons of soybeans could be imported in stages. Every month, said Buwas, there will be 50,000 to 100,000 tons of soybeans supplied to Indonesia.

Even so, Buwas was reluctant to divulge the name of the country that is Bulog's partner. The reason, said Buwas, Bulog will be complicated, if the name of the country is known to be a competitor.

"I don't want to mention the name of the country, if I call the country locked again, it will be made difficult again. Because this has done a cartel, you know, so it's not easy, I said," he said.