Implementation of WFH for Civil Servants Every Friday Could Potentially Reduce Income for Small Business Operators

Several governments are preparing to implement a work-from-home (WFH) policy every Friday for their civil servants (ASN). The implementation of WFH every Friday is considered to have the potential to suppress the income of small business operators around office areas.

This was stated by an economic observer from the National Education University (Undiknas) in Denpasar, Prof. Ida Bagus Raka Suardana. According to him, the reduced mobility of ASN could lower the income of several small businesses that typically operate around office areas.

“The WFH policy has the potential to cause a decline in local economic activity, especially in office areas. Small businesses such as food stalls, transportation, and supporting SMEs could experience a decrease in income due to reduced ASN mobility,” said Raka on Wednesday (8/4/2026).

Nevertheless, Raka said that the WFH policy aligns with the goals of saving fuel oil (BBM) and reducing traffic congestion. However, he stated that its effectiveness still depends on several supporting factors such as infrastructure and performance management.

“Reducing daily mobility can suppress BBM consumption and congestion, thereby lowering carbon emissions. However, its effectiveness greatly depends on implementation discipline, digital infrastructure readiness, and ASN performance management to ensure productivity remains maintained and does not create new inefficiencies,” he explained.

Raka assessed that the WFH policy for one day a week still has an impact, but it is not significant in aggregate. Both in terms of energy savings and regional economic stability.

“The implementation of WFH one day every Friday certainly still has an impact, but it is not significant in aggregate. Energy savings such as BBM and electricity do occur, but the scale is limited. From the local economic side, the decline in activity is also relatively small because it only happens weekly,” he added.

In addition to WFH, Raka mentioned that efficiency can also be achieved through other methods. For example, limiting the use of AC and lights, arranging staggered work hours, and optimising online meetings. These steps are considered easier to implement without requiring complex structural changes.

“I believe this policy is not merely symbolic, but rather an initial educational and adaptive step, as well as a trial of efficiency policies that can be developed more broadly if proven effective,” he concluded.