Civil Servants Holidaying During WFH: Social Minister Says They Can Be Dismissed

Social Minister Saifullah Yusuf has given an ultimatum to civil servants (ASN) who exploit work-from-home (WFH) as an opportunity for holidays. Saifullah explained that there are various sanctions depending on the type of violation that ASN will face if they do not comply with WFH rules. “The sanctions start from written sanctions, sanctions from respective leaders. Basically, in accordance with the existing provisions. We can demote their rank, we can also withhold their performance allowances, the heaviest being dismissal, just in accordance with the existing provisions,” Saifullah clarified, quoted from Kompas.com on Friday (3/4/2026). In addition to attendance, there is the Sasaran Kinerja Pegawai (SKP) application to gauge productivity during WFH. “We have the application. They must still check in in the morning and check out at the end of work. In between, they fill in the SKP application on what has been accomplished,” he said. “That’s why it’s called WFH, from home. So we expect them to truly comply with all the provisions. A circular will be issued on how they should WFH,” he added. There are various pros and cons regarding WFH. One of them is the view from Madiun Regency DPRD Chairman Fery Sudarsono on this policy. “That (WFH) is not efficient. It even educates (ASN) to become lazy,” said Fery on Friday (3/4/2026). Regarding the WFH policy to save fuel oil (BBM), Fery wants ASN who do not live far from their workplace to walk or cycle to the office. Specifically for Madiun Regency, which consists of 15 sub-districts, WFH increases the potential for indisciplinary actions by ASN that impact their work productivity. “We do not agree with WFH because employees are already paid by the state but are told to work from home. If at home, it’s not certain that the employees will be at home. They might go out. Therefore, the implementation of WFH in Madiun Regency is not effective,” said Fery.