"Import soybean prices are fully controlled by the market mechanism."Kebumen (ANTARA News) - The prices of imported soybean have risen in several traditional markets across Kebumen Regency, Central Java.
"The price of imported soybean now is Rp7,400 per kilogramme, while last week it was Rp7,200, and a month ago it was Rp6,000. The prices are continuing to rise," said Patuh Gunawan Ahmadi, the Head of Consumer Protection Department of Commerce Industry, Trade, and Market Management Kebumen Regency, in Kebumen on Tuesday.
Local officials were monitoring the rise of soybean prices across several traditional markets in Central Java, he added.
Patuh explained that the Consumer Protection Department of Commerce Industry, Trade, and Market Management Kebumen Regency did not have the authority to control the rising prices of imported soybean in local markets.
"Import soybean prices are fully controlled by the market mechanism. Global demand and supply determines the prices of such products," he pointed out.
"I hope the local, regional, and central authorities soon take steps to control the soybean prices in the future, such as through market operations," Patuh stated.
"If the market prices of imported soybean can be controlled, it will help people, particularly small entrepreneurs such as tempe and tahu, to produce normally. But local consumers are highly dependent on imported soybean," he said.
Kebumen Regency has immense potential for soybean cultivation. Many local farmers are expected to harvest soybeans in the coming 2-3 months. However, consumer demand for local soybean remains low.
(Uu.LPW/INE/O001/KR-BSR/A014)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
