RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta — The recent surge in the prices of imported soybean and plastic has left tempe producers struggling, including those in Sunter Jaya, Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta.

Many artisans admit they are reluctant to raise retail prices, fearing customers will turn away. Instead, they have resorted to shrinking the size of their tempe, a compromise that inevitably reduces their income.

Imported soybeans, the main raw material, have jumped from around IDR 920,000 (approx. USD 53.99) per quintal to about IDR 1.1 million. Plastic packaging has also soared, climbing from IDR 32,000 to IDR 56,000.

Arya Setiawan, a local tempe producer, said nearly all production materials have become more expensive. “Everything has gone up -- soybeans, plastic, and other supplies,” he explained on Monday, April 6, 2026, adding that for now, he has no choice but to adapt.

To keep customers loyal, Arya has chosen not to raise prices but to reduce portion sizes. “The price stays the same, but the size is cut slightly. I’m afraid people will stop buying if the price goes up,” he said.

The impact has been severe: daily revenue has plunged from around IDR 200,000 to just IDR 100,000.

Another artisan, Sarmadi, described the situation as particularly burdensome. He noted that this year’s price hikes are harsher than in previous years. “This has been happening since mid-March 2026,” he said, pointing to global conflicts that have driven up raw material costs.

Tempe producers are now calling for government intervention to stabilize prices. “We hope for support so our businesses can survive,” Sarmadi emphasized. (Misni Parjiati/Sri Wahyuni)