Deputy Cooperatives Minister Urges Gakoptindo to Strengthen Imported Soybean Supply Chain

Deputy Minister of Cooperatives Farida Farichah has urged the Indonesian Tempe Tahu Producers Cooperative (Gakoptindo) to strengthen the supply chain for imported soybeans to guarantee the availability of raw materials for tempe and tofu artisans amidst potential economic turmoil. Speaking at the Gakoptindo Annual Members Meeting in Salatiga on Tuesday, she noted that domestic demand for tempe and tofu is enormous, meaning the main challenge for businesses is not the market but the availability of raw materials, which remains heavily reliant on imports. ‘Because dependence on imported raw materials is very high, Gakoptindo and all other stakeholders need to organise the raw material supply chain so that when economic shocks occur, no members are left without their raw materials,’ Farida said, according to a press statement. She highlighted that almost all levels of society consume tempe and tofu as an affordable source of vegetable protein. Farida further assessed that Gakoptindo needs to optimise its role as a platform for tempe and tofu artisans to exchange ideas, knowledge, and improve production quality. The cooperative is also expected to act as a facilitator for its members in overcoming various business challenges, particularly regarding soybean supply. She added that the government will continue to pay attention to the issue of dependence on imported soybean raw materials through various facilities and support for businesses in the sector.