Cak Imin Proposes Work-From-Home Policy for Civil Servants to Conserve Fuel and Mitigate Middle East Conflict Impact

Muhaimin Iskandar, the chairman of the National Awakening Party (PKB) and commonly known as Cak Imin, has proposed implementing a work-from-home (WFH) policy for civil servants as a measure to conserve fuel oil (BBM) amid potential economic impacts from the US-Israel conflict with Iran in the Middle East.

“Traffic congestion in Jakarta wastes fuel, yet if the war does not stop soon, fuel prices will rise. How can we address this? By having civil servants work from home and limiting those who work in offices. But this is merely my proposal, representing an attempt to reduce fuel consumption,” Cak Imin stated at the PKB headquarters in Central Jakarta on Sunday (15 March 2026).

Cak Imin has also proposed energy efficiency measures in office buildings and has instructed the PKB headquarters to implement such measures immediately.

“Conserve electricity—this applies to our headquarters too, do not forget. Reduce lighting, reduce air conditioning, and implement all efficiency measures so fuel consumption does not become excessive. Stop using air conditioning lavishly in offices; it all requires fuel that we have to import,” he emphasised.

He warned that fuel subsidies will expand significantly if global oil prices surge. Consequently, he argued that efficiency measures must be implemented immediately.

“Subsidies will become increasingly bloated, and our state budget will also expand,” he stated.

Cak Imin reported that the government continues to monitor economic developments ahead of the Idul Fitri holiday in 1447 H. He noted that the economic effects of the Middle East conflict have not yet become apparent.

“We continue to monitor; at this moment, there is still no conclusion. We hope the impacts remain invisible. The latest cabinet meeting report showed that the economy continues to function normally, despite significant fluctuations in fuel prices rising and falling, but overall growth is still acceptable,” he explained.

He expressed hope that consumer purchasing power remains strong during the Idul Fitri celebrations and stated that PKB consistently supports the policies of President Prabowo Subianto’s administration.

“We will wait to see how consumer purchasing power performs during this Lebaran period, hopefully without significant impact. I and PKB support the government’s anticipatory measures,” he concluded.