Analyst: WFH is Only a Short-Term Response, Energy Resilience Requires Structural Strategy
The work from home (WFH) policy one day per week is assessed as a rapid government response to curb the effects of global geopolitical volatility, especially the Middle East conflict. However, this policy is insufficient to address challenges and achieve long-term energy resilience.
Director of Research at the Financial Center of Reform on Economics Indonesia (CoRE), Etika Karyani Suwondo, stated that the WFH policy must be understood as an emergency measure amid rising risks of global energy supply disruptions.
‘The WFH policy one day/week should be understood in the context of an emergency response to the escalation of geopolitics in the Middle East, particularly the threat of a Hormuz Strait blockade that could trigger a surge in energy prices and burden the state budget,’ she said when contacted on Saturday (28/3).
Nevertheless, she emphasised that the government needs to go beyond such tactical policies with more comprehensive strategies.
‘However, to address long-term structural risks, the government must go beyond tactical steps like WFH and focus on diversifying supplies, energy transition, and strengthening national energy reserves. It is this combination of quick actions and structural strategies that will ensure energy resilience is maintained,’ she continued.
Etika also highlighted that energy efficiency efforts should not be limited to the household sector and office workers. According to her, sectors with large energy consumption should be the primary focus of policies.
‘Energy efficiency should not only target households and office workers, while industrial sectors, corporations, and government elites with far greater consumption escape pressure,’ she asserted.
Previously, the government through Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto conveyed that it is preparing several measures to maintain economic stability amid global pressures. One option to be implemented soon is the WFH policy to reduce energy consumption, particularly petroleum fuel (BBM).
This step is part of efforts to anticipate the impacts of geopolitical conflicts, including tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, which could disrupt global energy supply stability.
Governor of DKI Jakarta Pramono Anung affirmed that his side is fully following the central government’s policy on implementing work from home (WFH) for civil servants (ASN).
Governor of East Java (Jatim) Khofifah Indar Parawansa has finally issued a Circular Letter (SE) on the implementation of the work from home (WFH) system for ASN within the East Java Provincial Government.
Without activity restrictions like during the pandemic, the public will still undertake travel.
In addition to the WFH policy, analysts emphasise the importance of government spending efficiency, particularly on major programmes.
If the WFH policy is reimplemented, clear technical regulations are needed in every regional apparatus.
Besides mineral downstreaming, the government is moving quickly to develop alternative energy to reduce dependence on conventional sources.
Indonesia is committed to strengthening national energy resilience through oil supply diversification. One of them is through negotiations for cooperation with Brunei Darussalam.
Indonesia and Japan signed cooperation on critical minerals and nuclear energy at the Indo Pacific Energy Security Ministerial and Business Forum in Tokyo.
Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia showcased evidence of Indonesia’s inclusive energy development at the international forum in Tokyo. From the B50 programme to single-price fuel (BBM Satu Harga).
The government through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has opened a National Post for the ESDM sector as a centre for monitoring and coordinating energy services during the homecoming flow.