Rupiah Weakens, Soybean Prices Rise; Central Java Industry and Trade Department Says Prices Below HET

SEMARANG – Head of the Central Java Industry and Trade Department (Disperindag), Julie Emmy, acknowledged that soybean prices have risen. Tofu and tempe producers are concerned that soybean prices will rise further due to the rupiah’s weakness against the US dollar.

Emmy stated that soybean prices have increased from Rp10,700 to Rp11,100 per kilogram. “However, this price is still below the highest retail price (HET) of Rp12,000,” she said during an interview on Tuesday (19 May 2026).

She added that current soybean prices remain relatively controlled, as last year they reached Rp14,000 per kilogram. “The price increase is due to reduced soybean production and lower import quotas,” Emmy said.

She mentioned that major soybean importers to Indonesia include the United States, Canada, Brazil, and Brazil. “However, Brazilian soybean imports are least affected by the Hormuz Strait conflict,” she said.

Emmy confirmed that her department is coordinating with the Ministry of Trade regarding soybean imports to meet Central Java’s needs. “We are continuously monitoring developments to secure the supply chain and restructure the soybean trade,” she said.