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Indonesia to start weekly Friday WFH policy this month to curb energy use

Indonesia to start weekly Friday WFH policy this month to curb energy use

The once-a-week arrangement aims to cut fuel consumption and improve efficiency, while keeping essential sectors running as usual.

Indonesia will implement a work-from-home (WFH) policy every Friday starting April 2026, as part of efforts to manage energy use and strengthen economic resilience amid global uncertainties.

According to Airlangga Hartarto, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs of Indonesia, the move follows a presidential directive and is part of the National Work Culture Transformation policy, which promotes more adaptive, efficient, and digital ways of working.

Government outlines policy rationale and expected gains

In a Facebook post, Minister Airlangga said the government is strengthening anticipatory measures to address global supply chain disruptions while maintaining stable economic fundamentals, including secure energy availability and a sound fiscal position.

He added that the weekly WFH arrangement for civil servants is part of a broader push to encourage more efficient and digital work patterns. The policy is also accompanied by efforts to reduce business travel, promote public transport and low-emission vehicles, and encourage energy-efficient practices.

From a fiscal perspective, the government estimates potential fuel savings of IDR6.2tn and up to IDR59tn in public energy expenditure. Ministries and institutions are also being directed to refocus spending towards more productive areas, with optimisation potential between IDR121tn and IDR130tn.

The policy supports longer-term energy goals, including the rollout of the B50 biodiesel programme from 1 July 2026. Authorities have also said fuel prices will remain unchanged, while digital systems for targeted fuel subsidies will be strengthened.

Implementation details and sector impact

Jakarta Globe reported that the WFH policy will apply to civil servants, while the private sector is encouraged to adopt flexible arrangements based on business needs. The policy will officially begin in April, with the first WFH day set for 10 April, as the first Friday of the month (3 April) falls on a public holiday.

"The WFH rule for private sector employees still takes into account the characteristics and needs of each business,” Minister Airlangga said at a press briefing yesterday, quoted by Jakarta Globe.

The article added that essential sectors such as healthcare, security, energy, logistics, transport, and finance will continue operating as usual.

Minister Airlannga said the policy is expected to help the government save IDR6.2tn in fuel-related state spending, partly due to reduced commuting and lower office energy use.

The arrangement will be reviewed every two months to assess its effectiveness.


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Lead image / Minister Airlangga Hartarto

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