REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, SURABAYA — Tempe (fermented soybean) producers become one of the parties who directly feel the impact of the rupiah exchange rate weakened to 14,338 IDR against the US dollars. It is caused by the need of soybean as raw materials of tempe is still imported from abroad.

In fact, most of the soybean import is from United States (US). It means the rupiah exchange rate that weakened will make soybean price continue to increase.

One of tempe producers in Surabaya, Untung Sutopo (49) said since Ramadhan month, soybean price is not decrease. Normally, soybean price is about 6,500 IDR per kilogram.

“Currently the soybean price is 7,800 IDR per kilogram and everyday i need soybean about 1,5 quintal to make tempe,” said Untung on Tuesday (10/7).

He said the soybean prices make him confuse to consider the business. However, Untung confessed that he could not force to raise tempe price.

“If i do that, my product can lose competitiveness in the market,” Untung added.

The other tempe producer, Poniman (51) also complained about the same thing. He said the soybean price hikes since Ramadhan. Despite the price is not increase high directly, but it keeps happening.

“The soybean price is not increase high directly, but it keeps happening, so it is difficult for us as tempe producers,” Poniman said.

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