Imported Soybean Prices in Kudus Decline Despite Rupiah Volatility

The selling price of imported soybeans in Kudus Regency, Central Java, has declined this week from Rp10,800 per kilogram to Rp10,400, even as the rupiah exchange rate remains elevated. Amar Ma’ruf, manager of the Indonesian Tofu and Tempeh Cooperative (Primkopti) in Kudus, stated on Sunday that since July 2026, when prices reached Rp10,800 per kilogram, they have continued to fall. He noted that this occurred despite the rupiah having touched Rp18,000 against the US dollar, though it has since eased to Rp17,801. Ma’ruf added that imported soybean stocks in the warehouse are abundant, reaching over 70 tonnes, and can be increased according to demand from local tofu and tempeh producers. Despite frequent price fluctuations linked to the rupiah-dollar exchange rate, local producers have maintained their previous selling prices. He also mentioned that locally grown soybeans are currently being harvested in the Kayen area of Pati Regency, providing an alternative for producers, though he has not yet decided to increase stocks given the ample supply of imported soybeans, pending demand and quality checks. Sonhaji, Head of Trade Facilitation, Promotion and Consumer Protection at the Kudus Trade Office, acknowledged that imported soybean prices often fluctuate. He confirmed that stocks remain sufficient and that price movements are continuously monitored alongside other staple commodities to ensure affordability for consumers.