Agriculture Minister to Summon Soybean Importers Over Price Increase

Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman stated that he will summon soybean importers in the near future. This is to respond to the price increase and ensure that the policies taken do not burden the public amid global dynamics. “Next, perhaps in the coming weeks (summoning of soybean importers),” said the Minister, as quoted from Antara, Wednesday, 8 April 2026. He stated that he has asked the Directorate General of Food Crops of the Ministry of Agriculture to immediately conduct intensive communication with business actors so that the price situation can be controlled quickly. The Minister emphasised the importance of maintaining the stability of prices for strategic food commodities, especially when global geopolitical conditions are heating up, which has the potential to affect domestic supply and prices. “But the Dirjen (Director General) of Food Crops (Ministry of Agriculture), I have ordered, communicate quickly. Do not burden the people when there are heating geopolitical conditions,” he said. He assessed that several major commodities such as rice, cooking oil, including palm oil (crude palm oil) to support biodiesel, are still in a safe condition. Thus, it is hoped that stability, including soybeans, can be maintained sustainably. He also reminded that practices that harm should not occur, such as with the refined sugar commodity, where distribution leaks impact prices and hinder the sale of domestic products. “We understand if there is a price increase, but do not like refinement, the behaviour of refinement importers. We cannot sell white sugar because of refinement, leaking everywhere. And that’s all I ask,” said Amran. Previously, Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman asked importers not to raise soybean prices excessively to maintain food stability. “Soybeans, we will ask all importers not to raise prices too high. Let us maintain food price stability and we have empathy and care for our brothers and sisters,” said Amran at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta, Tuesday. He gave special attention to the soybean price increase that is starting to impact tofu and tempeh artisans at the community level. Regarding the exact cause of the soybean price increase in the domestic market, Amran admitted he is still studying it and will soon coordinate with the directorate general ranks.