Apindo: WFH Temporary Solution, Accelerate Energy Diversification Immediately
Apindo’s Head of Labour Affairs, Bob Azam, stated that the work-from-home (WFH) policy is merely a temporary solution to mitigate the threat of an energy crisis. The government is urged to promptly implement energy diversification and maintain consistency in its execution.
Energy source diversification is essential amid the Middle East conflict, which risks causing rises in fuel prices and shortages of petroleum fuel (BBM). “So WFH is a short-term solution. For the medium to long term, energy diversification must be accelerated,” Bob told Tempo on Sunday, 29 March 2026.
According to him, the government has not been consistent in implementing the use of alternative energy. Bob still remembers that about a decade ago, global oil prices once reached US$140 per barrel. At that time, the government had considered vegetable-based fuels like bioethanol. However, when global oil prices began to fall, the policy implementation was not truly prioritised.
Citing data from Trading Economics, at the beginning of the week or 30 March 2025, Brent oil prices had climbed to US$115 per barrel. In conditions of continuously soaring oil prices, the energy sector transformation must be carried out.
“The roadmap must be made. Then clarify who does what and maintain discipline in implementation. Don’t be undisciplined,” said Bob.
The government needs to learn from several countries that have successfully and disciplinedly implemented alternative energy. Brazil, for example, has successfully developed bioethanol from sugarcane since 1975. The Indian government has also succeeded in promoting solar power plant (PLTS) development.
Since 2024, the Indian government has officially approved a budget of US$9 billion to encourage solar power supply to 10 million households. In contrast, in Indonesia, the use of solar panels for households is restricted.
These alternative energy materials can be cheaper than conventional electricity. India also implements bioethanol made from a mixture of straw. “So the feedstock material is cheap. Thus, costs can be suppressed,” said Bob.
Energy and Mineral Resources Minister (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia will accelerate the implementation of mandatory bioethanol blending into petroleum fuel (BBM) as a response to soaring global oil prices due to conflict. “Because if fossil oil prices can exceed 100 US dollars per barrel, then blending (mixing) will be cheaper,” said Bahlil on Monday, 9 March 2025, quoted from Antara.
Bahlil previously planned to mandate an ethanol content of 20 percent in petroleum fuel (BBM) or E20 by 2028 to reduce petrol imports. In addition to mandatory E20, he will also accelerate the implementation of 50 percent biodiesel policy or B50.