Tofu Shrinks as Soy Prices Soar
31 August 2015 14:30 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Tofu producers in Bekasi, West Java, were forced to produce smaller tofu as soybean prices continue to increase. "Prices have soared as a result of the Rupiah's depreciation against the US Dollar - which has exceeded Rp 14,000 in recent days," said Sakum, a tofu producer on Sunday, August 30, 2015.
Currently, Sakum has managed to maintain her tofu prices. However, Sakum was forced to reduce the size of her products. "I don't really know what else to do - [soybean] prices have gone up to Rp 7,500 per kilogram, previously it was around Rp 6,900 per kilogram," said Sakum.
Sakum said that she even had to layoff two of her employees. "It's something that I just had to do, until the economy begins to recover," Sakum said.
Subhan, another tofu vendor in East Bekasi, expressed similar statement. "We'll definitely increase the prices once our supplier does the same," Subhan said. "Many of our customers have complained, but what else can I do?"
Lika Sakum, Subhan has had to reduce the sizes of his tofu. "My customers have repeatedly protested, but once I explained it to them, they understand that I don't really have much options," Subhan said.
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