Jakarta, en.SERU.co.id – The proposed implementation of Work From Home (WFH) for one day per week has triggered intense debate regarding its effectiveness in curbing Indonesia’s national fuel (BBM) consumption. Several economists and labor groups view the policy’s impact as limited, failing to address the root causes of the country’s energy consumption.
The policy is currently awaiting a final decision from President Prabowo Subianto before official rollout.
Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian revealed that the WFH plan has been discussed among several ministers. The results of those discussions now depend on directives from President Prabowo before any official announcement.
“One of the schemes under consideration is implementing WFH one day per week. This policy will not disrupt government performance, drawing on our experience during the Covid-19 pandemic when flexible working arrangements were widely applied,” Tito said on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.
However, Tito stressed that essential public services — such as healthcare, transportation, and sanitation — must continue operating normally.
Government’s Target: Up to 20% Fuel Savings
From the government’s perspective, the policy holds significant potential. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa estimated that the WFH initiative could save up to 20 percent of daily fuel consumption, primarily by reducing daily commuting by workers.
This measure also forms part of a broader strategy to keep the state budget (APBN) deficit under control below 3 percent amid global pressures, including rising energy prices triggered by geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East.
Critics Say Impact Is Limited
Nevertheless, many economists argue the policy’s effect will be relatively modest. Yusuf Rendy Manilet of CORE Indonesia pointed out that national fuel consumption is largely driven by the logistics sector, goods distribution, and non-commuting mobility.
“This means reducing office workers’ trips only touches a small portion of total energy consumption. The effect is more marginal and does not drive structural change,” he said.
DPR Calls for In-Depth Study
In parliament, Member of Commission II of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), Ahmad Doli Kurnia, urged the government not to rush the policy. He emphasized the need to carefully select the WFH day and map which agencies can effectively operate remotely.
“We must ensure public services are not disrupted due to weak supervision or unmeasured work systems. There should be clear performance targets, strict monitoring, and structured evaluation,” he asserted.
Strong Criticism from Labor Unions
Stronger opposition came from Ristadi, President of the Confederation of Nusantara Workers’ Unions (KSPN). He described the government’s claim of 20 percent savings as overly optimistic.
According to Ristadi, the total number of civil servants (ASN) is approximately 5.58 million people — only about 3.8 percent of Indonesia’s total workforce of 146 million. If WFH is applied just one day per week, the potential fuel savings would be roughly 0.76 percent at best.
He also warned of possible counterproductive effects, such as declining work productivity and even increased fuel use if employees travel for personal reasons during WFH days.
Beyond energy effectiveness, the policy could create a domino effect on transportation sectors, including online ride-hailing drivers and small-medium enterprises (UMKM) around office areas that rely on daily worker activity.
Alternative Policy Recommendations
Experts suggest the government should not rely solely on WFH. More targeted subsidy distribution and encouraging the use of non-subsidized fuel are seen as potentially more effective ways to reduce national energy consumption in the long term. (aan/rhd)
