Indonesia Encourages Universities to Adopt Weekly Work‑From‑Home Policy
Indonesia’s Higher Education, Science, and Technology Minister Brian Yuliarto has encouraged universities to introduce a one‑day‑a‑week work‑from‑home (WFH) policy for lecturers and administrative staff. The proposal forms part of a broader effort to improve operational efficiency and accelerate digital transformation across the country’s higher education sector. According to reporting by ANTARA, universities are being asked to review their work patterns and adopt flexible arrangements while maintaining academic standards and learning outcomes.
The proposed approach would allow lecturers and administrative staff to work remotely for one day each week, supported by hybrid teaching methods and digital administrative systems. The initiative aligns with wider efforts to modernise Indonesia’s higher education ecosystem, including programmes aimed at expanding digital education infrastructure across the country and strengthening the use of technology in teaching and university management.
Encouraging Flexible Work Patterns in Universities
Speaking to reporters in Jakarta, Yuliarto said universities should evaluate how remote working could be integrated into existing academic and administrative processes. The aim is to create more efficient work arrangements without compromising the quality of teaching or institutional performance.
“We encourage universities to evaluate and adopt options that allow staff to work from home one day a week,” — Brian Yuliarto, Higher Education, Science, and Technology Minister
Under the proposal, universities could deliver lectures through remote or hybrid formats where appropriate. Each study programme would remain responsible for ensuring that learning outcomes and academic standards are maintained.
Expanding Digital Administration and Hybrid Learning
The minister also emphasised the importance of digitising administrative processes across both public and private universities. Digital platforms would support academic services, administrative workflows, and communication between staff and students.
“Transforming work patterns and building an effective work culture will benefit everyone. It improves efficiency and ensures more effective use of resources,” — Brian Yuliarto, Higher Education, Science, and Technology Minister
These changes complement ongoing initiatives to integrate advanced technologies into the education sector, including programmes where artificial intelligence is being explored to enhance higher education systems. Digital tools are increasingly used to support learning delivery, data management, and institutional decision‑making.
Circular Provides Framework for Remote Learning
The policy direction follows Circular No. 2 of 2026, issued by the ministry on 2 April 2026. The circular outlines adjustments to work patterns within the ministry and recommends proportional remote learning arrangements for universities.
The guidance focuses primarily on students in their fifth semester and above, as well as postgraduate programmes. Courses that require physical presence—such as laboratory work, workshops, studio practice, and clinical training—are excluded from remote delivery.
Yuliarto said that once universities establish effective work cultures and digital processes, institutions could reorganise schedules so that teaching and administrative activities are consolidated around a designated WFH day each week.
