Analyst views government's WFH policy on Fridays as a positive step

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Analyst and Executive Director of the Indonesia Political Review (IPR), Iwan Setiawan, views the government’s policy on energy savings of 20 per cent through work from home (WFH) for civil servants (ASN) every Friday as a positive step. Contacted from Jakarta on Friday, Iwan stated that in the uncertain global situation due to the energy crisis stemming from the Iran versus America-Israel war, the government has a responsibility and must strive hard to safeguard national interests. “For me, the energy-saving policy and transformation of work culture are an inevitability that must be taken by the government in such a situation, and this is a positive step because it can save 20 per cent of domestic energy use,” he said. According to him, Indonesia’s energy sufficiency and prices remain stable compared to other countries facing rises in fuel oil prices due to the global conflict in the Middle East. “So far, Indonesia is a country that is still stable in terms of energy sufficiency and prices compared to other countries, and this is a form of the President Prabowo administration’s attentiveness,” he stated. “Regarding the success and achievements of this programme, I think we can measure it in the coming weeks,” he added. He also conveyed that the government’s step to reduce one day of implementing the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme, which can save Rp20 trillion, needs public support. “This is a form of the government’s seriousness in maintaining stability and the continuity of life for the Indonesian people,” said Iwan. In such a situation, he said, Indonesia should utilise the regulation as a momentum for the Indonesian government to strive hard to achieve energy independence through various programmes. “For example, currently SKK Migas together with PetroChina International Jabung Ltd. in discovering new gas reserves through the NEB-79ST well in Tanjung Jabung Barat Regency, Jambi. This must be maximised by the government,” said Iwan.