Jakarta's Conditions on First Day of Work From Anywhere Policy
The government has implemented a work from anywhere (WFA) policy ahead of the Lebaran 2026 holiday break. On the first day of this new arrangement, Jakarta’s atmosphere has noticeably changed.
Based on records from Monday, 16 March 2026, the policy is grounded in the State Apparatus and Bureaucratic Reform Minister’s Circular Letter No. 2/2026 on the adjustment of official duties for civil servants (ASN) at government agencies during the National Holiday and Joint Leave for Nyepi Festival and Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijri.
The WFA policy for Lebaran 2026 ASN runs for five days across:
- Two days before the National Holiday and Joint Leave for Nyepi (Saka New Year 1948):
• Monday, 16 March 2026
• Tuesday, 17 March 2026
- Three days after the National Holiday and Joint Leave for Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijri:
• Wednesday, 25 March 2026
• Thursday, 26 March 2026
• Friday, 27 March 2026
For the private sector, the WFA Lebaran 2026 policy also runs for five days, based on the Ministry of Manpower Circular Letter No. M/2/HK.04/II/2026 on the implementation of work from other locations (Work From Anywhere) for workers and employees at companies during the Nyepi Festival and Eid al-Fitr holidays in 2026.
“The implementation of WFA is conducted on 16 to 17 March 2026 and is expected to also be implemented on 25, 26 and 27 March 2026, whilst taking into account company requirements and considering the potential surge in return migration traffic after the Eid al-Fitr celebration,” reads the first point in the circular.
Here are the observed conditions in Jakarta on the first day of WFA implementation:
Conditions at several railway stations and roads across the capital appear markedly different. The atmosphere at Palmerah Station in Central Jakarta (Jakpus) on Monday is now quieter than usual. There are no queues at the KRL train ticket machines.
Observations at Palmerah Station on Monday (16/3/2026) at 08.00 WIB show the station is notably quieter than usual. Queues at the ticket machine gate are shorter and move faster, unlike normal weekdays.
Passenger activity around the platform, particularly towards Tanah Abang Station, is also quieter. Commuters are not crowding to use the escalators and stairs leading to the ticket machine gate.
Meanwhile, foot traffic around the platform heading towards Rangkasbitung Station appears sparse. Many seats around the platform remain empty.
A KRL passenger named Arya said the station is quieter than usual today. According to him, this is because some people have already left ahead of the Lebaran holiday.
“It’s quieter because of the holiday. Usually you can’t even find an empty seat,” Arya said when encountered at the location.
Based on Google Maps observations on Monday (16/3/2026) at 09.25 WIB, traffic across Jakarta is predominantly green, indicating smooth traffic flow. Normally during morning rush hour, Jakarta traffic is predominantly red due to congestion at various points.
Despite this, there remain several points showing red traffic indicators on Monday morning. Jasa Marga, via its X account, also reported congestion at several points on toll roads leading into Jakarta.
“Japek Toll Japek Jatiwaringin KM 04 towards Cawang is congested, with an accident being handled in the right lane,” Jasa Marga stated via its official X account.
Meanwhile, traffic towards Cikampek remains reported as smooth, flowing from Cawang towards Cikampek.
Traffic on the Tambun toll road at KM 20 towards Cikampek is reported as congested due to road maintenance work on lanes 1-2 (left-centre).
Toll Janger heading towards Jakarta is also congested this morning. The congestion is due to high vehicle volume.
“Kunciran KM 13–Karang Tengah KM 09 towards Tomang is congested due to high traffic volume. Kembangan KM 08–Kedoya KM 04 is congested due to high traffic volume,” Jasa Marga stated.
Traffic congestion also occurred on the Jagorawi Toll road this morning due to high vehicle volume.
“Jagorawi Toll Cililitan–Cawang is congested due to high traffic volume,” it said.
The WFA policy has also affected the number of public transport KRL passengers. Observations at Bekasi Station on Monday (16/3/2026) show the number of passengers at the station is slightly lighter this morning.
The congestion typically seen at ticket machine queues and on the platform is now noticeably less crowded.
Entering the platform area, there is no sight of the usual jostling of commuters rushing to catch trains heading towards Manggarai or Pasar Senen. Meanwhile, the platform towards Cikarang is considerably quieter with much larger gaps between waiting passengers.
Sudirman Station Remains Busy
Movement activity at Sudirman Station in Central Jakarta (Jakpus) was observed to remain relatively busy during working hours. Observations at the location at around 09.50 WIB showed passengers disembarking from the electric train (KRL) heading towards Cikarang beginning to crowd platform 2.
The downward flow of passengers subsequently formed a winding queue at the tap-out machines at Sudirman Station. According to the station’s internal security officer (PKD), Sudirman Station’s conditions today are not markedly different from a normal day.
“Usually Mondays are really congested. This is probably a bit less. It’s busy but flowing smoothly,” the PKD at Sudirman Station said. He noted that there was only a slight difference in terms of passenger congestion.