Commission II Leadership Supports Government's Review of ASN Work-From-Home Policy for Budget Savings
Jakarta — The leadership of Commission II of the Indonesian House of Representatives has endorsed the government’s plan to consider implementing a work-from-home (WFH) scheme for state civil apparatus (ASN) personnel to achieve budget savings amid the Middle East conflict.
Commission II Chair Muhammad Rifqinizamy Karsayuda cautioned that such a policy must not impair public services.
Should the government proceed with implementing WFH for ASN staff, he requested that each ministry and institution establish clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
According to Rifqi, clearly defined KPIs are necessary to ensure that all work continues to be completed effectively.
“We must absolutely not tolerate the conversion from conventional activities to WFH in a manner that disrupts public services and governmental activities, which could damage the state’s presence to its citizens,” he stated.
Provided these two conditions are met, Rifqi emphasised that Commission II of the House of Representatives strongly supports and endorses the initiative.
He explained that the plan is designed to achieve cost savings and efficiency in bureaucratic operational expenses and civil servant expenditure to mitigate the budgetary fluctuations and contractions stemming from the Middle East conflict.
Additionally, he stressed that the government must ensure that the state budget structure continues to prioritise the public interest.
This includes subsidies such as those currently provided to citizens, including fertiliser subsidies, food subsidies, and social welfare subsidies.
“Including fuel subsidies for those in need must continue to be provided amid the current uncertainty and potential budget contractions,” Rifqi said.
This statement was made following Prabowo’s explanation of Pakistan’s budget-cutting measures after the escalation, during a plenary cabinet session at the State Palace, Presidential Palace Complex, Central Jakarta, Friday (13 March 2026).