Jakarta \u2014 Several neighbouring countries such as the Philippines and\nThailand have begun implementing work-from-home (WFH) policies for their\ncitizens. The geopolitical conflict in the Middle East is being felt\nacross Southeast Asia, with disruptions to global oil supply triggering\nspikes and volatility in fuel prices.<\/p>\n
Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia commented\non neighbouring countries\u2019 policies, noting that Indonesia has not yet\nissued any fuel conservation guidance. The government is currently\nassessing Indonesia\u2019s specific needs, with Lahadalia emphasising that\nsuch policies must be tailored to each country\u2019s circumstances.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are currently reviewing our position. What other countries do\ndepends on their own conditions,\u201d Lahadalia said at the Energy and\nMineral Resources Ministry office in Jakarta.<\/p>\n
The ministry is examining fuel consumption efficiency by maximising\ndomestic energy sources. \u201cEfficiency measures may include accelerating\nthe rollout of B50 fuel as an alternative, and faster implementation of\nE20. If fossil oil prices exceed US$100 per barrel, fuel blending would\nbe more cost-effective,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
However, Lahadalia assured the public that subsidised fuel prices\nwill not increase at least until the forthcoming Eid celebration. \u201cI\nwant to assure the public there is no need for concern regarding fuel\nprices, as there will be no subsidy fuel price increases until after\nEid. There should be no reason for panic buying,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n
Thailand\u2019s Response<\/p>\n
Thailand\u2019s government has requested civil servants to work from home\nwhere possible as part of national energy-saving measures. Authorities\nhave also instructed government offices to raise air conditioning\nsettings to 26 degrees Celsius to reduce electricity consumption. \u201cThe\ngovernment wants all sectors to use resources wisely and effectively,\u201d\nThailand\u2019s government said in an official statement.<\/p>\n
Officials have been instructed to avoid foreign travel during this\nperiod of energy uncertainty. These measures follow Thailand\u2019s assurance\nof securing sufficient oil supply for approximately two months ahead. To\npreserve energy reserves, Thailand has temporarily halted oil\nexports.<\/p>\n
Philippines\u2019 Response<\/p>\n
Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.\u00a0announced the\nimplementation of a four-day working week in several executive branch\noffices beginning 9 March. Marcos said this is part of government\nefforts to conserve energy and reduce fuel consumption as global oil\nprices surge following conflict in oil-producing regions.<\/p>\n
\u201cStarting Monday, 9 March, we will temporarily implement a four-day\nworking week in certain executive branch offices. This excludes offices\nproviding emergency or essential services, such as police, fire\ndepartments, and frontline services to the public,\u201d Marcos said.<\/p>\n
He ordered all government agencies to significantly reduce energy\nconsumption. \u201cI have directed all government agencies to save and reduce\nelectricity consumption and fuel expenditure by 10 to 20 per cent,\u201d he\nstated.<\/p>\n
In addition to reducing working days, Marcos has temporarily banned\nofficial travel and non-urgent government activities, including meetings\nthat could be conducted in-office. Several government agencies have\nalready begun preparing additional measures. From 13 March, the\nPhilippines Department of Trade and Industry will shift operations of\nits Makati City offices to remote work arrangements.<\/p>\n
For the private sector, alternative work arrangements have been\npermitted under the Telecommuting Act passed in 2018.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/philippines-and-thailand-urge-employees-to-work-from-home-to-save-fuel-what-about-indonesia-1773215554", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }