By: Deka Prasetyo )*
The work-from-home (WFH) policy, which has begun to be pushed by the central government, is now seen as a strategic step in addressing the challenges of budget efficiency and energy savings, while also signaling a shift in work patterns in Indonesia to be more adaptive to current developments. Amidst global economic pressures and the increasing need for state spending efficiency, this measure is not only relevant but also urgently needs to be implemented widely. Support from various regions reinforces that this policy is not merely talk, but rather a real solution to reduce the burden on the state budget and fuel consumption, particularly in the daily transportation and office operations sectors.
The government, through the Ministry of Manpower, officially issued Circular Letter Number M/6/HK.04/III/2026, signed by Minister of Manpower Yassierli. This regulation encourages private companies, state-owned enterprises (BUMN), and regionally-owned enterprises (BUMD) to implement a flexible work system in the form of WFH one day a week. This policy not only aims to reduce companies’ operational burdens but also forms part of a national strategy to collectively reduce energy consumption. By reducing physical activity in the office, the use of electricity, air conditioning, and even daily transportation can be significantly reduced.
In its implementation, reducing office activity is believed to have a direct impact on energy efficiency. Yassierli emphasized that the implementation of WFH must still guarantee workers’ rights, including full wages and benefits without reduction. This is crucial to maintain public trust in government policies, while ensuring that efficiency is not achieved at the expense of employee well-being. With this approach, WFH is not only a budget-saving policy but also a solution that remains pro-worker.
Support for this policy has also come from local governments, including Banten Governor Andra Soni. He stated that his office is ready to implement WFH for civil servants every Friday as part of an energy and fuel conservation effort. Civil servants are expected to set an example for the community in reducing unnecessary mobility while simultaneously building collective awareness of the importance of energy efficiency in daily life.
Furthermore, Andra Soni emphasized that public services must continue to operate normally despite the WFH policy. He also encouraged all employees to adopt energy efficiency practices, not only in the office but also at home, such as turning off unused electricity and reducing the use of unnecessary electronic devices. He believes that small changes in daily habits can have a significant impact if implemented consistently by the entire community.
South Sumatra Governor Herman Deru has taken a similar step, finalizing plans to implement WFH for civil servants (ASN) with a target of reducing fuel consumption by 18 percent. This policy is seen as a regional response to central government directives and a concrete strategy for more efficient budget management. Herman Deru emphasized that efficiency must be achieved without sacrificing public services or regional development.
Infrastructure-wise, digital network readiness is a crucial factor in supporting this policy. The Ministry of Communication and Digital, through the Directorate General of Digital Infrastructure, led by Wayan Toni Supriyanto, ensures that the national telecommunications network is ready to support remote work activities. The government continues to strengthen coordination with service providers to maintain stable connectivity quality, especially in areas that previously had limited access.
By the end of March 2026, Indonesia’s digital infrastructure had shown quite rapid progress, with hundreds of thousands of 4G sites and tens of thousands of 5G sites widely deployed. Furthermore, fiber optic networks had reached nearly all districts and cities, enabling increasingly equitable internet access. This provides a crucial foundation for supporting the implementation of a hybrid work system that requires stable and fast connectivity.
Over the past year, the government has also recorded various successes supporting this policy direction, ranging from maintained economic stability amidst global pressures, increased digital penetration across various sectors, to accelerated and increasingly equitable national infrastructure development. The ongoing digital transformation has also driven efficiency across various sectors, including work systems, public services, and government administration.
However, the implementation of WFH still faces challenges, especially for sectors that rely on physical activity and direct services. Therefore, flexibility in implementation is key to ensuring this policy remains relevant and does not disrupt operations. Each agency and company needs to adapt to their own needs without neglecting the principles of efficiency and worker protection.
Ultimately, the WFH policy supported by various regions reflects a shared vision between the central and regional governments to create a more efficient, productive, and sustainable work system. With a shared commitment, WFH is not only a short-term solution for energy and budget savings, but also has the potential to become a new, more flexible, modern, and efficient work culture in the future, and therefore deserves support and optimization from all elements of society.
)* The author is a public policy observer
