Imported Soybeans and Plastic Prices Soar, Tempe Makers Struggle

The price of imported soybeans in the past week has continued to rise, impacting tempeh producers in Banyumas, Central Java. The main raw material for tempeh is now around Rp10,500–Rp10,600 per kilogram, up from previously Rp9,000–Rp10,000. Prices have risen by about Rp100 per kg each day over the past week, according to Bakhur Fauzi of Desa Pliken, Kembaran District. “Last week it started rising. The increase is gradual, around Rp100 every day, now Rp10,600 per kg,” Fauzi said on Wednesday 20 May. Not only the soybeans, other production costs also increased, notably packaging plastics. Clear plastic packaging in 4 kg size rose from Rp24,000 to Rp34,000. Despite higher production costs, tempeh producers have not raised sale prices yet, fearing consumer pushback. They also refuse to compromise on quality or size to cut costs. Fauzi produces various tempeh varieties, including tempe mendoan, tempe papan, tempe munthuk, and tempe srapah. A 2 kg tempe papan is sold at Rp28,000 per piece; tempe daun isi dua lapis Rp1,000; tempe munthuk and tempe srapah Rp800 per pack. Fauzi says the price rise may be linked to fluctuations in the US dollar, as the soybeans are imported from the United States. “Perhaps because of the dollar’s rise, since the soybeans are imported from the US,” he said. Fauzi can produce about 500 packs of tempe per day, using around 30 kg of soybeans daily. Another producer, Damilah, is also confused by the rising soybean price, saying she is reluctant to raise tempe prices for fear of losing buyers, especially since purchasing power is not strong yet. (H-2)