Dare to Violate WFH Rules? Social Minister Gus Ipul Prepares Strict Sanctions

Social Minister Saifullah Yusuf has reminded all Ministry of Social Affairs employees to maintain optimal service quality to the public on the first day of implementing the flexible work system or work from home (WFH). In a confirmed statement in Jakarta on Friday, he stressed that the implementation of WFH is part of the transformation of civil servant work culture to be more efficient, adaptive, and remain productive, in line with President Prabowo Subianto’s directives. “Even though working from home, all employees must still be disciplined in carrying out their duties, including fulfilling attendance obligations and daily performance reporting,” he said. In addition, Ministry of Social Affairs employees are urged to always be on standby or on call and not to misuse the WFH policy, including not using state facilities outside of official interests. According to him, integrity is the main key in implementing this new work pattern, including avoiding corruption practices and misuse of working time. The implementation of WFH in the Ministry of Social Affairs environment is also part of efficiency efforts, in line with policies to save on the use of official vehicles, encourage the use of public transport, and utilise electric vehicles. Although some employees are working from home, several public service units such as the Command Center, Sekolah Rakyat, Politeknik Kesejahteraan Sosial (Poltekesos), halls, and centres will continue to operate to ensure that services to the public are not disrupted. He emphasised that all ranks in the Ministry of Social Affairs must obey all applicable rules and provisions and set an example that many employees who have violated have been given sanctions ranging from written warnings to dismissal. “Therefore, I do not want any more dismissals, I do not want any whose allowances are delayed, whose ranks are demoted, or who receive first or second written warnings. I want everyone to work well, no violations,” he said. Head of the Kendari Meohai Centre, Muhamad Gunawan, added that services for beneficiaries at the centre continue as usual. “In this regard, we remain committed that all employees at the Meohai Centre continue to carry out services to the public, especially social rehabilitation,” he said. Even in the implementation of the new work culture transformation, he assured that the centre remains committed to carrying out its responsibilities in providing social rehabilitation services in accordance with their respective work areas. “We cover 24 districts and cities as per the decree. All those are the work reach areas of the Meohai Centre,” he said.