Forum Tempe Recommends Tempe as Future Innovation

The Indonesian Tempe Forum has recommended that tempe should not only be a cultural heritage but also become a platform for future innovation through its various benefits. “I propose that in the concept, Tempe 1.0 is cultural heritage, Tempe 2.0 is healthy food, and Tempe 3.0 is a platform for future innovation — such as functional ingredients, health foods, nutrition, a healthy ageing tool, and personalised nutrition,” said Forum advisor Aman Wirakartakusumah during the National Tempe Day celebration in Jakarta on Wednesday. He added that efforts to protect tempe, which is currently being proposed as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage, require documentation and community empowerment. Together with the Ministry of Culture, his party continues to push for UNESCO’s approval of tempe as a national cultural heritage. The IPMI Institute rector and senior scientist at the SEAFAST Center, IPB University, noted that tempe has been developing since the 18th century and has become a source for disseminating knowledge, cultural values, and philosophy. Originating from Java, tempe can also serve as a medium for culture-based diplomacy with deep knowledge and philosophical value. He explained that tempe has been accepted in several countries, including the Netherlands, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and Japan, which are key markets for plant-based foods. Furthermore, tempe is known to be a high-quality protein source containing various fibres, making it a beneficial fermented product for the body. From an economic perspective, tempe is a topic frequently discussed on the global stage, presenting potential for national economic development.