That Narrow Alley Named Gang Tempe

Gang Tempe is not merely the name of a narrow alley in the corner of Jalan Haji Aom, Kramat Pela, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta. The distinctive aroma of fermented soybeans has become part of the daily life for residents in that alley. That unique aroma serves as the breath of the economy for them. That corner of the area is not just a food production site, but also a living space that holds a long story of hard work and hope. It all began in 1983. At that time, a migrant from Pekalongan arrived and worked as an employee in pure tempeh production. The figure named Joko Asori (57) had not imagined that his small step in the home industry would become part of the long history of the tempeh centre. “Initially, we were just employees. But over time, we learned and eventually became independent,” said Joko. From one or two people learning to make tempeh, a small community of artisans slowly grew. They not only shared production techniques but also the spirit to survive in the big city. Pure tempeh became the main product marketed to surrounding markets. Then, as time passed, change came in 2011. An artisan named Ibu Haji Tina brought a new idea upon returning from a visit to Central Java. From there, she saw another potential in soybeans, namely tempeh chips. After repeated trials, tempeh chips became the favourite. What was once just pure tempeh, now Gang Tempe is known as a producer of tempeh chips favoured by various groups. This transformation not only changed the type of product but also transformed the economic face of the village. If previously only a handful of people were artisans, now the number reaches around 37. Mama Tina’s tempeh chips became the pioneer, followed by Pak Joko’s, Timoti’s, and others. Then, Joko was elected as Chairman of the Kramat Pela Tempeh Artisans Group, which is affiliated with the Indonesian Tofu and Tempeh Producers Cooperative (KOPTI) South Jakarta. Not only that, Joko also mentioned that they received assistance from BRI in 2021. In the process, BRI offered to turn the tempeh chips producers’ area in Kramat Pela into a cluster to facilitate aid in the form of equipment such as cutting machines. Interestingly, although there are many artisans there, there is no unhealthy competition. Each producer has their own customers. Some supply to markets, some serve office orders, and some have even penetrated the export market. Tempeh chip products from this alley are shipped abroad, including to Asia and the Middle East. This is proof that home-based businesses also have opportunities to develop globally. However, behind this development, challenges remain. Rising raw material prices are the main complaint. Prices of soybeans, cooking oil, and even plastic continue to increase, while product selling prices tend to stagnate.