Government calls WFH a tactical step to curb fuel consumption

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The government’s policy of working from home (WFH) one day per week for civil servants is a short-term tactical step to curb daily fuel oil consumption without sacrificing productivity and public services.

“This WFH is purely a short-term tactical measure, a quick relief to suppress daily fuel oil consumption, without in the slightest compromising productivity and public services,” said Special Staff to the Vice President Nico Harjanto in a written statement quoted in Jakarta on Thursday.

The statement was made in response to the views of Indonesia’s 10th and 12th Vice President Jusuf Kalla, who previously stated that the WFH policy is not an effective solution to curb fuel oil consumption.

In his statement, Nico emphasised that input from national figures like Jusuf Kalla always serves as important notes for the government in formulating policies.

In addition to taking short-term tactical steps, Nico added that the government is also preparing fundamental solutions through energy transition in the medium and long term.

These steps include accelerating the development of the electric vehicle ecosystem, transitioning to B50 bioenergy, and strengthening infrastructure and domestic fuel production.

According to Nico, these efforts are part of the government’s strategy to maintain national economic stability amid energy consumption challenges.

“We address today’s crisis quickly without sacrificing national economic stability, while continuing to build future energy sovereignty,” he said.

Previously, Jusuf Kalla stated that the WFH policy does not necessarily curb energy consumption because electricity usage continues even when activities are carried out from home.

He also emphasised the importance of maintaining productivity in facing economic situations, without using WFH as a reason to reduce work activities.