The Need for Safe Tempe Tahu, the Government Claims National Soybean Stocks Are Still Sufficient

Soybeans (photo: Bapanas)

JAKARTA - The government through the National Food Agency (Bapanas) ensures that the national soybean stock is still at a safe level to meet domestic needs, especially for tofu and tempe artisans until the end of April 2026.

The Secretary General of the National Food Agency (Bapanas) Sarwo Edhy said the government continues to monitor the availability of soybeans intensively. This is because 90 percent of the national soybean needs are absorbed by the tofu and tempe industry.

"The relationship with the availability of stocks is that by the end of April, our soybean stocks are still 322,000 tons. This means it is still enough. Then we also communicate almost every day with the Indonesian Tempe Tahu Producer Cooperative Association (GAKOPTINDO). The price of soybeans in the craftsmen is still normal," said Sarwo in an official statement, Friday, April 17.

Based on the government's projection, the total national soybean stock reached around 322,500 tons by the end of April. This amount is considered sufficient to cover the monthly needs which range from 220,000 to 230,000 tons.

Sarwo emphasized that the government was also closely monitoring the stability of soybean prices in the market. Importers are asked to comply with the Sale Reference Price (HAP) that has been set, namely a maximum of Rp. 11,500 per kilogram at the importer level and Rp. 12,000 per kilogram at the artisan level.

"For example, the price of soybeans is more than Rp. 12,000, we comb upstream. If it is found that there are importers selling above Rp. 11,500, then the importer will automatically be suspended for the next import and his permit will be revoked," he said.

"So all business actors must submit to the government by referring to the reference prices that have been set by the government," he continued.

From the results of Bapanas monitoring, the price of imported soybeans at the artisan level is still under control and below the threshold. In the last week, the average price was recorded in the range of IDR 11,266 to IDR 11,320 per kilogram (kg).

On the other hand, the government continues to encourage the increase in domestic soybean production as an effort to reduce import dependence. The Ministry of Agriculture is said to have carried out various soybean development programs.

According to Sarwo, if domestic production begins to grow, the government can automatically reduce soybean imports.

"Of course, the Minister of Agriculture has a soybean development program this year. Hopefully, later, the domestic production of soybeans will increase gradually. Automatically it will reduce imports," said Sarwo.

In addition to maintaining supplies, the government together with Perum Bulog also strengthened the Government Soybean Reserve (CKP). Based on the Head of Bapanas Decree Number 391 of 2025, the target for procurement of CKP in 2026 is set at a minimum of 70,000 tons.

Separately, Head of Bapanas Andi Amran Sulaiman reminded business actors not to play with prices. He emphasized that the government would take firm action against importers who violated the provisions.

"Don't go up, go up a little but don't go up a lot. I ask for soybeans not to go up a lot. If someone raises it arbitrarily, soybeans imported, I make sure I cancel the permit," said Amran.

Amran added that the stability of soybean prices is the key to maintaining the affordability of food for the community, considering that tofu and tempe are widespread daily consumption in Indonesia.

"We have asked importers not to raise prices arbitrarily, there is an agreement. If someone raises prices unreasonably, it will harm people who need soybeans, I will withdraw the permit. I will not give it for next year," he said.