Khofifah Chooses WFH Every Wednesday for East Java Civil Servants
The East Java Provincial Government is implementing a work from home (WFH) policy for Civil Servants (ASN) every Wednesday as a measure to save fuel oil in anticipation of the crisis due to the war in the Middle East. East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa stated that the policy will take effect from early April 2026.
“We are implementing this WFH system in line with the central government’s fuel and energy saving policy,” said Khofifah in Surabaya on Wednesday, 25 March 2026, quoted from Antara.
Khofifah explained that the implementation of WFH is not a form of work relaxation. WFH is a flexible work mechanism that still demands discipline, responsibility, and high productivity from all ASN. “With the WFH system, public services must not decrease. On the contrary, performance must remain optimal and coordination must be even stronger. Certain public service sectors will still operate fully,” she said.
Khofifah chose WFH over work from anywhere (WFA) because it is considered more effective in maintaining ASN productivity. It also allows family support in monitoring work implementation from home.
In addition, Wednesday was selected as the WFH implementation day because it is deemed ideal for maintaining the work rhythm and curbing the potential increase in fuel oil (BBM) consumption.
Based on calculations, the average ASN of the East Java Provincial Government travels about 14 kilometres to the office or around 28 kilometres round trip every day. Thus, the WFH scheme for one day a week is expected to improve energy efficiency.
“If WFH is implemented on Friday, there is a tendency for long holidays, even returning to hometowns, recreation, and other activities that consume more BBM because it continues with the long weekend,” she said.
Khofifah stated that this policy will be under strict supervision by the Regional Civil Service Agency (BKD) regarding ASN attendance and performance.
The government is still drafting regulations for one day of working from home for civil servants. Minister of State Apparatus Utilization and Bureaucratic Reform (PANRB) Rini Widyantini conveyed that the government is preparing a circular regarding the technical provisions for ASN work flexibility.
She explained that the government is still in the study phase together with related ministries and agencies, including coordination with the Ministry of Manpower and the Ministry of Home Affairs. “The technical details of implementation or the effective date have not been finalised,” said Rini when contacted on Wednesday, 25 March 2026.
Rini stated that the substance to be regulated in this rule is still under discussion and technical deepening. She emphasised that its preparation considers the diversity of task characteristics and ASN roles. Therefore, the approach will not be uniform but proportional and contextual according to the needs of each agency. “Essential public services remain the top priority that cannot be compromised,” said Rini.
Furthermore, Rini explained that the framework for this flexibility is already available through Presidential Regulation Number 21 of 2023 on Working Days and Hours for ASN and Minister of PANRB Regulation Number 4 of 2025 on the Implementation of Flexible Civil Service Duties for ASN in Government Agencies. “The government will announce it officially to the public after the final decision is set,” she said.
Previously, in a cabinet meeting at the State Palace in Jakarta on Friday, 13 March 2026, President Prabowo Subianto encouraged steps to save fuel oil consumption and consider WFH policies as a measure to anticipate the impact of the global crisis. It is known that the surge in world oil prices occurred after the war between the United States and Israel versus Iran erupted at the end of February.