Tempe Polemic Is Expensive, Entrepreneurs Only Want Price Stability

Illustration. (Photo: Pixabay)

JAKARTA - Tofu and tempe craftsmen in Gunung Kidul Regency, Yogyakarta Special Region, expect a stable soybean price so that it does not affect the tofu and tempe industry.

One of the tofu and tempe traders at Argosari Wonosari Market Turgiyanti in Gunung Kidul said that despite the issue of soybean prices, the current price of tofu and tempe has not increased significantly.

"The price of tofu and tempeh is still normal, depending on the size of the size. However, we hope the government will reduce the price of soybeans so that they do not increase," said Turgiyanti, quoted from Antara, Tuesday, December 5.

He explained that in early December, the price of soybeans was still around Rp. 8,500 per kilogram. However, currently, the price of soybeans has reached IDR 9,000 per kilogram. The price of imported soybeans in Gunung Kidul began to rise on 28 December.

"The price of soybeans once reached Rp 9,200 per kilogram ahead of the new year. We hope that there will be a special policy on imported soybeans," he said.

Meanwhile, Secretary of the Gunung Kidul Industry and Trade Agency (Disperindag) Virgilio Soriano said there was information that tofu-and-tempe craftsmen would go on a production strike.

Then, the Department of Industry and Trade of Gunung Kidul immediately checked the center of the tofu and tempe industry in the Gunung Kidul area to confirm the plan, even though it failed to be implemented.

"On average, the craftsmen understand the situation. Especially considering that the production of tofu is very dependent on imported soybeans. We ask the craftsmen to make adjustments to this condition, including optimizing the existing materials," he said.

Virgilio said that his party had communicated with the DIY Government regarding the current situation. This is because the authority regarding the distribution of imported soybeans is at a higher level.

The hope is that the central government can immediately issue a solution so that the increase in imported soybean prices can be controlled. He also asked residents not to worry about the increase, considering that it was not yet significant.

"We urge people to remain wise in dealing with the current situation," said Virgilio.