Government Steps In: Soybean Prices Capped at Rp12,000/kg

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan) has assured that soybean prices remain controlled amid rumours of surges up to Rp20,000 per kilogram (kg). The government has set a Sales Reference Price (HAP) of Rp11,500 per kg at the importer level. Consequently, prices at the tempeh and tofu artisan level are kept below Rp12,000 per kg until any subsequent policy changes. Director General of Food Crops at Kementan, Yudi Sastro, emphasised that the rumour of soybean prices reaching Rp20,000 per kg has been verified and is untrue. He stated that field verifications show prices still below the HAP, including at the importer level around Rp11,500 per kg. “We have directly verified with business actors, and the information claiming soybean prices have breached Rp20,000 is untrue. Prices remain below the HAP, even at the importer level around Rp11,500,” Yudi asserted in his statement, quoted on Friday (10/4/2026). Yudi explained that global dynamics are indeed exerting pressure, particularly on logistics costs, transportation, and other supporting components. “There is indeed an impact from geopolitical changes causing increased production and distribution costs. But for the current situation, supply is still sufficient and prices are controlled. This is what we need to convey to prevent public concern,” he clarified. He also emphasised that the government continues to strengthen coordination with all stakeholders. “We have committed together to ensure the implementation of the HAP in the field runs smoothly. This is important to maintain food stability,” he said. Data from Gakoptindo processed by the National Food Agency (Bapanas) as of 8 April 2026 shows soybean prices in various regions still in line with the HAP. In Jakarta, the average soybean price is around Rp10,500-Rp11,000 per kg, Java Rp10,555 per kg, Bali and NTB Rp10,550 per kg, Sumatra Rp11,450 per kg, Sulawesi Rp11,113 per kg, and Kalimantan Rp10,908 per kg. These figures are still below the HAP for imported soybeans at the consumer level (tempeh and tofu artisans) set at a maximum of Rp12,000 per kg. From the business actors’ perspective, Director of PT FKS Multi Agro Tbk, Tjung Hen Sen, stated that prices at the importer level are around Rp10,100-Rp10,300 per kg, while at artisans around Rp10,500-Rp11,000 per kg. He also highlighted cost pressures due to geopolitical factors such as logistics and insurance, though business actors continue to strive to maintain price stability. Meanwhile, General Secretary of Gakoptindo, Wibowo Nurcahyo, assured that tempeh and tofu prices remain stable around Rp12,000-Rp13,000, with possible adjustments in volume rather than price or quality. On the other hand, Bapanas previously conducted direct inspections in response to the Rp20,000 per kg rumour in Jakarta. A raid at Menteng Pulo Market found price disparities among traders. Deputy for Food Availability and Stabilisation at Bapanas, I Gusti Ketut Astawa, explained that the high prices occurred among small traders sourcing stock from non-official distributor channels with very limited volumes and slow turnover. “We deliberately went to Menteng Pulo Market, besides yesterday’s news of soybean prices at Rp20,000 per kilo. Indeed, there was a stall selling soybeans at Rp20,000. The owner bought stock online at Rp10,100 to Rp10,200. But because it sold very slowly, only 5 kg in a month, the price was raised,” Ketut revealed. At the same market, other traders still sold soybeans at the reference price around Rp12,000 per kg as they received supplies from official distributors. The government prioritises a persuasive approach towards micro traders and urges price adjustments. Soybean trader, Heni, admitted to selling at high prices due to slow sales and small stock purchases via online platforms. “I buy it online. At most 2 kg, online 2 kg, then up to 3 accounts. So 6 kg, sometimes 5 kg. Sold at Rp20,000. Sometimes it lasts a month, sometimes more than a month,” she said. Head of DKI Jakarta’s Dinas KPKP, Hasudungan Sidabalok, stated that the raid was conducted to clarify circulating information and ensure field price conditions. Meanwhile, Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) Amran Sulaiman reminded importers not to take excessive profits amid the global situation. “Regarding soybeans, we have asked importer friends not to take big profits. It’s okay to increase, but not to the point of pressuring our brothers and sisters who need it,” Amran asserted. According to him, the current situation is a momentum for all business actors to show solidarity with the nation. “When else will we do good for the nation, this is a golden opportunity to do good for our country that we love,” he concluded. The Ministry of Agriculture assures it will continue to monitor the implementation of this agreement and encourage increased domestic soybean production.