The U.S. Soy Producers Mission (USSPM) is a market access initiative designed to provide a team of U.S. Soy grower leaders with the opportunity to learn and gather knowledge, as well as experience firsthand some of the ongoing investments that the U.S. Soy family has made in a major U.S. Soy destination. Similar to last year, the USSPM was scheduled to coincide with one of USSEC Southeast Asia’s regional business development conferences, the AG Supply Chain Asia 2018. This helps the U.S. Soy delegation to engage and connect with regional customers and the agriculture industry. Members of the USSPM were also invited to participate in the U.S. ag producers’ forum during the event to take questions and share on matters concerning U.S. Soy production.
The team, which consisted of grower leaders and staff from Illinois, Michigan, Iowa, Ohio, and Minnesota, was accompanied by USSEC representatives Will McNair, QSSB & Industry Relations Manager; Eric Gibson, Stakeholder Relations Coordinator; and Nayeli Vilanova, Director for Human/Oil Programs.

Visit to UD Pendekar Tempe Sakti Tempe Producer
The industry tour started in Surabaya on March 23, where the team visited a progressive tempe production facility UD Pendekar Tempe Sakti, owned and managed by Soetono Liem. Mr. Liem sells tempe under the brand ‘HIENAK,’ which means healthy and delicious. Established in 2014, UD Pendekar Tempe Sakti has evolved to become a recognized Tempe producer that pays close attention to hygiene and quality. The company has also received ISO 9001 certification for its efforts.

Visit to Nusa Prima Logistik Agri Port
In the afternoon, the U.S. SPM visited a newly developed agri port facility Nusa Prima Logistik (NPLog), established by a consortium of three large local companies: PT FKS Multi Agro Tbk. (feed ingredient supplier), PT Charoen Pokphand Indonesia Tbk. (poultry integrator), and PT Japfa Comfeed Indonesia Tbk. (poultry integrator). Nusa Prima Logistik is the largest agricultural port facility in the country, and the capacity of its integrated transit warehouse is 200,000 metric tons (MT), consisting of 80,000 MT of 10 silo storages and 120,000 MT of 2 flat storages with a total capacity up to 5,000,000 MT/year.

Visit to PT. Sinar Indochem (Feed Miller)
On March 24, the U.S. team visited PT. Sinar Indochem, a commercial animal feed manufacturer. This factory is equipped with the latest technology in feed milling production, including a hygienizer and micro dossing system. It is equipped with a modern laboratory facility to ensure sustainable quality assurance for their customers. The company also produces full fat soybean to supply to large feed millers such as the CP Group.

The second leg of the industry tour, for the next 2 days continued in Jakarta.
March 26
Visit to Rumah Tempe Indonesia (House of Tempe)
Through the efforts of the Indonesia Tempe Forum, Mercy Corps, and USSEC, Rumah Tempe Indonesia was established as a model production facility for local Indonesian tempe producers to learn how to better produce tempe under hygienic conditions to meet food safety standards using better production systems and practices. The House of Tempe was inaugurated on June 6, 2012 and has become the center for best practices and innovation for tempe production.

Visit to Yun-Yi Tofu Producer and Restauranteur
YUN‐YI tofu was established in 1940 by Liauw Hon Tjan in Bandung. In the early days, the tofu production process used very simple equipment and mainly supplied the local traditional markets. Today, YUN‐YI tofu is sold not only in traditional markets but can also be found on the shelves of modern retailers. The company runs its the production in four factories located in Bandung, Bogor and Bekasi (West Java), and Semarang (Central Java). YUN‐YI uses high quality soybeans as the main ingredient to produce tofu and is one of the pioneers of tofu production, strictly observing hygiene and food safety standards. They have received Halal and health certificates and have their tofu products’ nutrition facts verified by the leading national surveyor, SUCOFINDO.

Visit to Cisarua Mountain Dairy or Cimory (Soymilk Producer)
Bambang Sutantio, the founder of Cimory, established the company in 2004 as a subsidiary of the Makro Group, providing high quality dairy products such as fresh milk and yogurt as well as soy‐based products to include soymilk and silk tofu. In addition to dairy shops and processing facilities located in West and Central Java, the company also manages some restaurants in the same location.

March 27
Visit to PT. Sinta Prima Feed Mill (SPF)
Currently, the Sinta Group of companies consists of three integrated companies: PT SPF, known as one of the market leaders for freshwater fish feed; PT Padma Karya Prima, which manages poultry breeding farms; and PT Sinta Maju Abadi, which runs commercial broiler farms. With over 30 years of experience coupled with a strong distribution network, the Sinta Group is well placed to continue to develop the animal feed industry and build integration towards processed food products.

.Tour of catfish farm
The team proceeded to the catfish farm in Ciseeng District, Parung, Bogor, West Java. Bogor Regency, especially the sub‐district of Ciseeng, has emerged as the largest supplier of catfish to the greater Jakarta area. Rice farmers in Ciseeng have converted their paddy fields into fishponds for better income. High fish feed prices, however, have become the main challenge for the local farmers to sustain their fish farms. Some catfish growers have given up their ponds and replaced them with banana plants, selling the leaves to tempe producers for packaging.

Reception at the U.S. Ambassador’s Residence
The Honourable Joseph R. Donovan Jr., a career member of the Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, was sworn in as United States Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia in 2016. The Ambassador kindly offered to host a reception for the U.S. Soy Producer Mission at his residence, extending the invitation to over 70 industry representatives and U.S. cooperators.