Iran Conflict Prompts Government to Consider Work-from-Home and Energy-Saving Measures for Civil Servants

Jakarta — The government is examining several cost-saving measures following the escalation of conflict in the Middle East after the United States and Israel attacked Iran.

Several cost-saving options being considered by the government include implementing work-from-home (WFH) arrangements for civil servants (ASN) to reduce fuel consumption.

Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Muhaimin Iskandar stated that the WFH proposal for civil servants is being pursued as a precautionary measure against potential energy price increases amid global conflict.

“For example, we are studying this to prevent traffic congestion. Jakarta’s congestion means wasted fuel, yet fuel prices will rise if the war does not stop soon,” Muhaimin said after a free mudik (homecoming) event at PKB headquarters in central Jakarta on Sunday (15 March 2026).

“So how? By having civil servants work from home, limiting those who come to the office,” he added.

However, Muhaimin emphasised that the proposal is merely his personal suggestion and remains under study within government.

“But this is only my suggestion. My suggestion as a form of reducing fuel consumption,” he said.

He noted that the policy is currently being studied by relevant ministries, including the Ministry of State Apparatus Empowerment and Bureaucratic Reform (PAN-RB), which oversees civil servants.

“It is my personal proposal, and it is being studied at the ministerial level of PAN-RB,” Muhaimin stated.