The Cries Of The Craftsmen Of The Year In Banten: We Used To Be In The New Order To Get Soybean Subsidy, Now We Don't Have Any More

Illustration. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - A number of tofu craftsmen in the Regency, Banten Province asked the government to subsidize soybean prices in the market because it affects production.

"In the New Order era (Orba) we received soybean subsidies, but until now there have been none," said Mad Soleh (55), a tofu craftsman in Rangkasbitung, Lebak Regency, quoted from Antara, Friday, June 25.

The provision of soybean subsidies, according to him, ensures that the tofu craft business in Lebak Regency will develop and be able to absorb workers.

So far, tofu craftsmen have been relatively unstable, because soybean prices have fluctuated up and down, he added. In fact, today the market price of soybeans has soared to IDR 550 thousand per sack weighing 50 kilograms, whereas last week it was IDR 530 thousand per sack.

The soaring price of soybeans will certainly have an impact on production, even some of the crafters are threatened with bankruptcy, he said, because on one hand the producers selling tofu do not experience an increase and on the other hand the price of soybeans has increased.

"We liken the fate of artisans to 'die, don't want to live', because soybean prices fluctuate in the market," he said.

Likewise other tofu craftsmen, Usman (55) said that so far, the price of soybeans as a raw material for tofu is not subsidized by the government. They are tofu craftsmen who buy soybeans at Rangkasbitung Market.

According to him, the use of imported soybeans from the United States has been going on since the 1980s until now, because local soybeans are of poor quality

"We hope that the government can subsidize soybeans, so that the tofu business will grow again," he said.

He said that currently there are 18 tofu craftsmen in Muara Kebon Kelapa Rangkasbitung Village, but most of them are in danger of going bankrupt.

The craftsmen know, he said, the average turnover is Rp. 900 thousand from the production of 50 kg. From the Rp900 thousand, the craftsmen can get a gross profit of Rp.350 thousand and have not deducted the labor and transportation.

"I think at best the craftsmen will get a net profit of Rp. 100,000 from the 50 kg," he said.

Memed (45), a tofu craftsman, said that he is currently still producing, even though he sometimes returns his capital, because the tofu business can no longer be relied on to improve welfare.

However, he produces tofu which is important for the family and three workers to fulfill the family's daily economic needs.

"We hope that soybean prices will be subsidized so that it can improve welfare," he said.

Meanwhile, Head of the Lebak Regency Cooperatives, Enterprises and Medium Enterprises Service, Yudawati said the government encouraged business actors to develop during this pandemic by proposing the Banpres program for Productive Micro Enterprises (BPUM).

"We ask small business craftsmen, including tofu factory owners, to apply for the capital assistance," he said.