Indonesia’s government is preparing a limited work-from-home (WFH) arrangement after Eid al-Fitr as part of wider efforts to reduce fuel consumption amid global oil market pressures. The proposal has drawn support from senior lawmakers, while ministers emphasise the need to safeguard productivity and economic activity. The policy would initially apply to civil servants, with the private sector encouraged, but not required, to follow suit.
According to Antara News, the initiative reflects broader government planning to manage energy demand and economic resilience. It also aligns with ongoing discussions on digital governance and public sector reform, including efforts highlighted in Indonesia’s National Single Data System, which aims to support more flexible and data-driven public administration.
Parliamentary backing with calls for economic balance
People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Deputy Speaker Eddy Soeparno said the WFH arrangement could meaningfully reduce national fuel consumption by lowering daily mobility, particularly among workers. Speaking to ANTARA from Jakarta, he said the approach could be expanded further if managed carefully.
“This policy will definitely cut fuel consumption nationally, as it is expected to reduce public mobility, particularly that of workers,” — Eddy Soeparno, Deputy Speaker, People’s Consultative Assembly
Soeparno also suggested that schools could consider remote learning arrangements to further improve fuel efficiency. However, he cautioned that any expansion of WFH policies must not come at the expense of economic performance, especially in sectors that rely on physical operations.
“We cannot afford to see an economic slowdown. It is particularly important for the industry and manufacturing sectors to continue operating,” — Eddy Soeparno, Deputy Speaker, People’s Consultative Assembly
Cabinet direction and policy design
The WFH proposal follows a plenary cabinet meeting at the State Palace on 13 March, during which President Prabowo Subianto instructed ministers to anticipate the domestic impact of the Middle East conflict. He highlighted fuel consumption as a key risk area and asked aides to consider mitigation measures, including flexible working arrangements.
On 21 March, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto announced that the government had decided to implement a one-day-a-week WFH option for civil servants after Eid. While mandatory for the public sector, the policy will be advisory for private companies. The Manpower Ministry and the Home Affairs Ministry will jointly oversee implementation.
Energy savings and potential tourism effects
Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said the arrangement could help Indonesia conserve energy while maintaining productivity. He explained that limiting WFH to one day a week was intended to strike a balance between flexibility and economic output.
He also noted that if institutions choose Friday as their WFH day, the policy could effectively create a three-day weekend. This, he said, could generate additional activity in the domestic tourism sector. More broadly, the discussion reflects Indonesia’s ongoing efforts to integrate technology, efficiency, and economic priorities, as explored in analyses on smart technology and sustainable development and debates on balancing innovation with national interests.
