Forum Tempe Recommends Tempe as Future Innovation

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The advisor of the Indonesian Tempe Forum, Aman Wirakartubusumah, has recommended that tempe should not merely remain a cultural staple but should also become a future innovation through its inherent benefits.

“I propose that within the concept, Tempe 1.0 is cultural heritage, Tempe 2.0 is healthy food, and Tempe 3.0 is a platform for future innovation, where tempe serves as functional ingredients, health food, nutrition, a healthy aging tool, and personalised nutrition,” Aman stated during the National Tempe Day celebrations held in Jakarta on Wednesday.

He added that in the effort to protect tempe, which is currently being proposed as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage, documentation and community empowerment are required. His organisation, alongside the Ministry of Culture, continues to push for tempe’s recognition as a national cultural heritage to be approved by UNESCO.

The Rector of IPMI Institute and senior scientist at the SEAFAST Center IPB added that tempe has been developing since the 18th century and has served as a medium for spreading knowledge, cultural values, and philosophy.

Originating from the island of Java, tempe can also serve as a medium for culture-based diplomacy, carrying deep philosophical and scientific value.

In his presentation, he noted that tempe is already accepted in several countries, including the Netherlands, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and Japan, which serve as market bases for plant-based food products.

Furthermore, tempe is known to be a high-quality source of protein and contains varied fibres, making it a fermented product that is beneficial to the body.

From an economic perspective, tempe is a frequent topic of discussion on the global stage, presenting significant potential for national economic development.