By: Dodik Prasetyo )*
The work-from-home (WFH) policy, which the government is beginning to promote, is considered a strategic step in responding to global pressure while maintaining the efficiency of the state budget and the public’s energy consumption. Support for this policy has come from various ministries, local governments, and even the state-owned enterprise sector, which sees WFH as an opportunity to encourage a more adaptive and sustainable work transformation.
The government, through the Ministry of Manpower, has officially urged private companies to begin implementing a one-day-a-week WFH scheme. This step is part of an effort to save energy and achieve operational efficiency amidst global uncertainty. Minister of Manpower, Yassierli, stated that this policy is flexible and can be adjusted to each company’s specific circumstances without reducing employee rights such as annual leave or monthly salaries.
Yassierli emphasized that the technical arrangements for implementing WFH are entirely the responsibility of the company. Thus, this policy is expected to maintain work productivity while providing room for companies to adapt to their operational needs.
On the other hand, the government has also implemented a similar policy for State Civil Apparatus (ASN). ASN are required to work from home one day a week, every Friday. Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto explained that this policy is a preventative measure in addressing global dynamics that have impacted the national energy and fiscal sectors.
Airlangga Hartarto stated that implementing WFH has significant potential to reduce state expenditure. The government estimates savings in the State Budget of up to IDR 6.2 trillion from fuel compensation, as well as a reduction in public fuel consumption of up to IDR 59 trillion.
In addition to the WFH policy, the government has also restricted the use of official vehicles by encouraging the use of public transportation and electric vehicles. Domestic business travel has been cut by 50 percent, while international travel has been reduced by 70 percent as part of the state budget efficiency strategy.
However, not all sectors are eligible to implement this policy. Public services, transportation, logistics, and the education sector continue to operate in person to ensure optimal service to the public.
Amidst the implementation of this policy, PT Pertamina ensured that there would be no changes to fuel prices, both subsidized and non-subsidized. Pertamina’s Vice President of Corporate Communications, Muhammad Baron, emphasized that his company is ready to support the government’s policy to maintain national economic stability amidst the global energy crisis.
Muhammad Baron also appealed to the public to avoid panic buying, which had previously occurred due to issues of fuel shortages and price hikes. He hoped that people would maintain reasonable fuel consumption to ensure smooth distribution.
At the regional level, the Jakarta Provincial Government expressed its readiness to adjust its WFH policy in accordance with central government directives. Chico Hakim, Special Staff to Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung, stated that this policy is a visionary step in increasing digital-based efficiency and productivity.
Chico Hakim assessed that Jakarta is ready to set an example in implementing this policy while ensuring optimal public services. Pramono Anung also emphasized the Jakarta Provincial Government’s commitment to following national policies.
The implementation of WFH for civil servants within the Jakarta Provincial Government will be implemented one day a week, every Friday, starting April 1, 2026. However, this policy does not apply to civil servants at echelon I levels, down to sub-district heads and village heads, who will continue to carry out their duties face-to-face.
In addition, essential public services such as health, security, logistics, strategic industries, and primary and secondary education will continue to operate in-person for five working days. This is to maintain the quality of service to the public.
The Jakarta Provincial Government also supports energy policy through the implementation of the B50 program, planned to begin in July 2026. This program is projected to reduce dependence on fossil fuels by up to 4 million kiloliters and save national subsidies of up to IDR 48 trillion.
Additional policies such as the use of MyPertamina barcodes with a daily purchase limit of 50 liters for private vehicles will also be implemented to maintain controlled energy distribution. Meanwhile, subsidized fuel prices will remain unchanged.
From a budget perspective, the implementation of WFH is estimated to contribute significant savings, including IDR 6.2 trillion in fuel compensation and approximately IDR 9 trillion in public spending in Jakarta. The Jakarta Provincial Government also supports the refocusing of the budget of IDR 121.2 to IDR 130.2 trillion from non-priority spending to productive sectors.
Over the past year, the government has been deemed successful in maintaining national economic stability amidst global pressures. This is evident in controlled inflation, increased investment, and the success of maintaining public purchasing power through various social assistance programs and targeted subsidies.
Ultimately, the WFH policy is not only a short-term solution to the energy crisis but also opens up opportunities for a more flexible future work system. Synergy between the central government, regional governments, and the private sector is key to the successful implementation of this policy.
In conclusion, the success of this policy depends heavily on the awareness and discipline of all parties. The government, companies, and the public are expected to work together to optimally implement this policy so that the goals of energy savings and budget efficiency can be achieved without sacrificing productivity and the quality of public services.
)* The author is a contributor to the Indonesian Strategic Information Study Institute
