JAKARTA - Minister of Agriculture Syahrul Yasin Limpo visited tofu and tempe craftsmen and at the same time carried out a stabilization movement of soybean supply and market prices. Recently, the price of imported soybeans has soared to a point that exceeded Rp9,500 per kilogram (kg). Therefore, Syahrul invited tofu and tempeh craftsmen to use local soybeans.
According to Syahrul, the quality of local soybeans is much better than imported soybeans. In order to meet the national supply of soybeans, in 2021 he will focus on the program to increase soybean production.
"We are preparing local soybean supplies, our production is increasing. Our soybeans are short, sweet and liked by the community so that in the future (we) encourage their cultivation," he said, when met at the PIK KOPTI Complex, Semanan, Kalideres, West Jakarta, Thursday, 7. December.
According to Syahrul, this is also in accordance with the direction of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) to meet the needs of tofu craftsmen. "We are looking for a solution so that the price of tofu and tempeh with local soybeans is affordable," he said.
When visiting one of the tempe craftsmen, Syahrul asked about the type of soybeans used for the production of tofu in that place.
"Where do you know the raw material for making tempeh? Imports ?," asked Syahrul.
Hearing this question, the tofu and tempe craftsman confirmed this. Then, Syahrul again asked if the craftsmen wanted to use local soybeans as raw material for making tofu and tempeh.
"Do you prefer imported or local? If I prepare it, do you use it? You have to use it locally, not import it," said Syahrul.
The tofu and tempe craftsman agreed to Syahrul's request. Because, he said, tofu with local soybeans as a base ingredient is more delicious and preferred than imported soybeans.
As is known, the soaring price of imported soybeans made tofu and tempe producers decide to stop selling for 3 days, starting from January 1 yesterday to January 3. As a result, the supply of tempeh and tofu is very scarce in the field.
This step is inevitably the last option for the craftsmen because until now the price of soybeans continues to soar. The price of soybeans can continue to rise every day. This condition made it difficult for the craftsmen, because the increase was no longer reasonable because it touched the figure of Rp9,500 from Rp6,000.
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