Tempeh makers left without a bean

SURABAYA, East Java: Some 8,400 tofu and tempeh makers have been forced to change profession and become becak (pedicab) drivers or construction workers because of a shortage of soybean, the basic ingredient in the much loved food.

"About 30 percent of the 38,000 tempeh and tofu makers have had to become becak drivers or construction workers because they have been unable to get the basic supplies they need," Benang Danungkusumo, chairman of the Tofu and Tempeh Cooperatives' (Kopti) Communication Forum, said in Sidoarjo, East Java, yesterday.

The difficulties in acquiring soybean have resulted from cash flow problems and the unavailability of working credit during these tough economic times.

Those who have been forced to change profession are not members of Kopti.

Of the estimated 38,000 tofu and tempeh makers in the province, only 4,000 belong to Kopti, Antara reported.

The chairman of Kopti's East Java branch, Herry Prasetyo, said the organization needed Rp 8 billion each month to import soybean to supply to its 4,000 members.

"We urge the government to encourage banks to give loans to help us," Prasetyo said.

East Java needs approximately 5,000 tons of soybean each month to make tofu and tempeh. (01)