"We want to export tempe. Now we are seeking the food technology to preserve it," Lukita stated in Bekasi, West Java, on Thursday.
The minister noted that he would meet the Association of Indonesian Tempe and Tofu Producers (Gakoptindo) to discuss the plan.
Meanwhile, Chairman of Gakoptindo Ayip Syarifuddin remarked that the association would prepare the product for export.
"We have met the requirements for export. We are ready in term of quality and quantity," he added.
According to Syarifuddin, the association would target countries with a large number of Indonesians, such as Hong Kong, South Korea, and the Middle East countries.
Currently, the traditional food marketing overseas is made sporadically and is yet to optimize its quality.
"We have tried to export, but the tempeh decayed because of the long journey," he explained.
He revealed that the government has provided the technology to preserve the traditional food. "Now it could be preserved until 306 days to one year, depend on the packaging."
The association would seek the government`s help to market the product.
"We are targeting to export 50 containers of tempe per month," he pointed out.
Reporting by Sella Panduarsa Gareta, Sri Haryati
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
