Wholesalers Complain, Soybean Prices In Surabaya Continue To Rise

ILLUSTRATION / Soybeans (ANTARA)

SURABAYA - The price of soybeans in Surabaya has skyrocketed, from the previous IDR 7,000 to IDR 10,000 per kilogram. People also complained, because the price continued to increase by Rp1,000 every day.

"Initially, it was only Rp. 7,000 per kg, but the price goes up every day. Today it has reached Rp. 10,000 per kg," said Syifa, 43, a trader at Karah Market, Surabaya, Wednesday, January 6.

The high price of soybeans, continued Syifa, has an impact on the increase in the price of tofu and tempeh in the market. Where the price of tempe, from the previous IDR 3,000 per kg, increased to IDR 5,000 per kg.

Meanwhile, the price of tofu per unit was originally IDR 1,000, up to IDR 2,500 to IDR 4,000 per unit. "For tempeh, the increase is around Rp. 2,000, while tofu increases every day by Rp. 1,000 per unit," he said.

Maisuroh, 36, one of the tofu traders recently went out of business after the price of tofu and tempeh increased. He admitted that for now he is forced to switch to selling bananas, because he is unable to compete with the tofu and tempeh traders in the vicinity.

"Initially I also sold tofu and retail tempeh. If you know, I sold Rp. 1,500 per unit, tempeh Rp. 3,500 per kg. But now it's closed, because there are sellers who know that tempe is cheaper," said Mai, her nickname.

According to Mai, the price of tofu and tempeh has increased since the price of donkey is expensive on the market. The price of soybeans has increased in the last week or so. "Previously the price was still normal, but in the past week it has continued to rise. I also don't know how the price continues to go up," said the mother of one child.