Indonesia’s Free Meal Program boosts local tempeh producer

Jakarta (ANTARA) - A home-based tempeh business run by Khoiri Rosyidin and his wife, Sisika, in Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta, has expanded output after it began supplying three kitchens in Indonesia's Free Nutritious Meals program (MBG).

Khoiri said production rose from about 40 kilograms of soybeans per batch to as much as 150 kilograms to meet demand from nutrition service units (SPPG).

"In the past, we made at most 40 kilograms per batch to sell at markets and stalls," Khoiri said, according to a National Nutrition Agency (BGN) statement on Monday.

Khoiri and Sisika have run the home business since 2009. Before supplying MBG kitchens, they sold tempeh at traditional markets and nearby stalls for Rp5,000 to Rp6,000 (US$0.28 to US$0.34) per piece.

The opportunity arose when Sisika heard from a friend about cooperation between SPPG units and local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

After offering samples and adjusting quality based on kitchen managers' feedback, their tempeh was accepted as an MBG supplier on April 14, 2025.

BGN said the couple previously processed about 240 kilograms of soybeans weekly for the market. One delivery to an MBG kitchen can now reach 150 kilograms, up to three times a week.

Rising demand also led them to bring in neighbors to help with production.
"Sometimes we can't cope if just the two of us do the work," Sisika said.

To maintain quality, Khoiri still boils soybeans over firewood and washes the raw material with spring water. The couple also adjusted yeast use and tempeh density based on kitchen managers' feedback.

Despite higher capacity, Khoiri said maintaining consistent quality is a challenge as demand grows.

Related news: Bapanas ensures soybean supply sufficient for tofu, tempeh producers

Related news: Indonesia launches soybean subsidy to protect tempeh producers

Translator: Lintang B, Asri Mayang Sari
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2026