Tempe Chips Go Global: From a Small Alley in South Jakarta to Overseas

From a small alley on Jalan Haji Aom, Keramat Pela, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, home-produced tempe chips by local residents are being shipped abroad. The tempe creation began with a visit to Magelang, then produced by tempe artisans in the Keramat Pela Tempe Artisans Centre. Tina, the pioneer of tempe chips, has sent her products to various countries. According to her, the products have become global due to several media spotlights since the early days. She also said that her tempe chips production site was once visited by US citizens. In addition, to keep up with technological developments, Tina sells her products through online trade. However, tempe chips are usually sold more to regular customers who order via WhatsApp messages. Tina said her customers usually buy in large quantities. “They usually buy hundreds of kilos. The minimum is 50 or 100 kilograms. Usually for resale,” she said. Now, Tina along with other tempe artisans must face the challenge of rising raw material prices, from soybeans, oil, to plastic. For mutual comfort, Tina informs her customers in advance of plans to raise prices, with explanations of the price increase. Some agree, some do not. Nevertheless, the stoves in the Tempe Village remain lit every day. Migrants from Pekalongan working for 37 tempe artisans continue to produce tempe to this day.