Subsidized Soybeans for 2,810 Bean Curd and Tempeh Entrepreneurs in Malang

TEMPO Interactive, Malang: About 2,810 entrepreneurs producing bean curd and tempeh in Malang regency will receive subsidized soybeans amounting to 1,725 tons. The subsidy will be distributed every month starting August to December 2008.The Head of Department for Industry, Trade and Market for Malang regency, Muhammad Sjakur Kullu said the subsidy is to help the entrepreneurs in 33 sub-districts as the soybean price increases. About 75 percent of soybeans used by entrepreneurs are imported from the US and Canada.He explained that the original proposal actually asked for 2,278 entrepreneurs with a subsidy of Rp2.2 billion. But only 2,180 entrepreneurs approved.The amount of subsidy is Rp1,000 per kilogram with total subsidies Rp1,725 billion for a month.The entrepreneurs will use coupons to receive the subsidy. A criterion for a subsidy recipient is to work with 100 kilograms of soybeans every day with a maximum of 19 workers. If they have more than that, they will be categorized as bigger entrepreneurs and cannot receive the subsidy, said Sjakur.The recipients are located in six sub districts of Pakis, Sumberpucung, Gondanglegi, Kapanjen, Turen, and Singosar. The subsidy distribution will involve three distributors : Tani Wahyu Satria, Pakis, CV Aneka Usaha and UD Sumber Urip in Gondanglegi.Abdi Purmono