Indonesia Introduces Friday Work-From-Home Policy for Civil Servants to Reduce Energy Use

The Indonesian government will introduce a weekly work-from-home (WFH) arrangement for civil servants every Friday starting 1 April 2026, aiming to reduce national energy consumption and improve mobility efficiency. The policy applies to both central and regional government institutions and will be reviewed after two months. Officials expect the initiative to cut fuel use linked to commuting and official travel while maintaining continuity in essential public services.

According to a report by ANTARA News, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto confirmed that the arrangement will limit in-office work to four days per week for government employees. The policy forms part of broader national efforts to improve energy efficiency and reduce operational costs across public administration.

Energy savings and mobility reduction targets

The government estimates that the new policy could generate state budget savings of around Rp6.2 trillion (approximately US$365 million) through reduced fuel compensation. In addition, overall public fuel consumption could decline by as much as Rp59 trillion.

Complementing the WFH initiative, authorities will also reduce the operational use of official vehicles by 50%. Exceptions will apply for operational requirements and electric vehicles. Domestic official travel will be cut by 50%, while international official travel will be reduced by 70%.

Exemptions for essential and strategic sectors

Not all sectors will be covered by the policy. Hartarto said that services requiring continuous physical operations will remain exempt. These include healthcare, public security, sanitation services, and other frontline government functions.

Several strategic industries will also continue normal operations. These include sectors related to energy, water, manufacturing, basic commodities, food and beverages, trade, transportation, logistics, and finance. The government intends to ensure that economic activity and critical supply chains remain unaffected.

Private sector encouraged to adopt flexible arrangements

The government is encouraging private companies to consider similar WFH arrangements where operationally feasible. The Ministry of Manpower will issue guidance through a circular that takes into account the different requirements of each business sector.

The initiative reflects Indonesia’s wider efforts to modernise public administration and improve efficiency through policy and technology. Ongoing programmes highlighted in Indonesia’s digital transformation of social service delivery demonstrate how government institutions are increasingly integrating digital tools to support more flexible and responsive public services.

Education sector largely unaffected

Teaching and learning activities for primary and secondary schools will continue to take place in person without restrictions. For higher education institutions, students in their fourth semester and above may follow arrangements determined by the relevant ministry.

Indonesia has been pursuing multiple initiatives to strengthen digital governance and operational efficiency across government. Efforts discussed in national strategies focused on smart technology and innovation highlight how digital systems and policy reforms are being used to support sustainability objectives while maintaining service delivery standards.