Indonesia Considers Nationwide Work-From-Home Policy to Reduce Fuel Use

Indonesia is preparing a nationwide work-from-home (WFH) policy as part of efforts to reduce fuel consumption and manage the economic impact of rising global oil prices. The proposed measure would introduce limited remote working across the public and private sectors, aiming to curb daily mobility and improve energy efficiency. According to government officials, implementation is expected after the Eid al-Fitr holidays, subject to final technical arrangements and monitoring of global energy conditions.

The plan was outlined by the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, as reported by ANTARA News, following a meeting with President Prabowo Subianto. Hartarto said the government is finalising a flexible working framework designed to respond to geopolitical instability and sustained pressure on energy prices.

Proposed structure of the WFH scheme

Under the proposal, employees would work remotely for one day in every five-day workweek. The arrangement would apply nationwide, covering civil servants, regional government employees and private-sector workers. Officials said the duration of the policy would depend on trends in global oil prices and developments in international conflicts that affect energy markets.

“With high oil prices, we need efficiency in working hours. We will provide flexibility for work-from-home arrangements,” — Airlangga Hartarto, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Government of Indonesia

Expected impact on fuel consumption

President Subianto has expressed support for the initiative, pointing to its potential to significantly reduce fuel use. Government estimates suggest that lowering daily travel could cut fuel expenditure by around 20 percent, equivalent to one-fifth of current consumption levels. The president raised the issue during a Plenary Cabinet Session at the State Palace in Jakarta on Friday, 13 March.

“We must take proactive steps to save on fuel consumption. We cannot simply assume we are safe without making efforts to reduce our usage,” — Prabowo Subianto, President of Indonesia

Links to Indonesia’s wider digital and energy agenda

The proposed WFH policy aligns with Indonesia’s broader push to modernise public administration and reduce resource use through technology. Recent government initiatives have highlighted how digital transformation strengthens social service delivery while improving efficiency across agencies.

Officials have also emphasised the role of innovation and data-driven approaches in supporting sustainability goals, as outlined in discussions on smart technology and innovation for a sustainable future. The WFH initiative is expected to be assessed alongside these longer-term reforms.

Next steps and implementation timeline

Technical details of the scheme are currently being drafted by relevant ministries. The government has said it will continue to monitor global energy developments before issuing a formal announcement on the start date and enforcement guidelines, signalling that the policy may be adjusted as conditions evolve.