"Another step we may take is to either raise the prices of tofu and tempeh, or to stop production completely."Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Association of Indonesian Tempe and Tofu Cooperative (Kopti) has ceased producing tempeh and tofu due to the soaring hike in soybean prices.
West Jakarta branch of Kopti spokesman Suharto said here on Tuesday that the stopping of production of tofu and tempeh was a form of protest against the government`s neglecting the fate of Kopti and the 35 percent hike in soybean prices.
"We have taken various steps to convey our aspirations, even staging a protest rally at the State Palace, but with zero results as soybean prices continued to increase by 35 percent in 2012," Suharto said.
He noted that tofu and tempeh producers had also protested by making the tempeh, or fermented soybean cake, thinner than the usual size.
"Another step we may take is to either raise the prices of tofu and tempeh, or to stop production completely," Suharto warned.
He added that stopping production would probably be followed by tofu and tempeh producers in Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi (Jabodetabek), and if needed, in 18 provinces in Indonesia.
Suharto said there were 4,824 members of tofu and tempeh producers in Jakarta who need 10,060 tons of soybean per month, and at a national level there were 83,545 members who needed 132,350 tons per month. (Uu.O001/INE/KR-BSR)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
