Labour Minister Emphasises that WFH for Private Sector Employees is Advisory
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Minister of Manpower Yassierli has emphasised that the work-from-home (WFH) policy for the private sector is not mandatory. The government is merely providing flexibility for companies to adjust work policies according to their respective conditions. This approach is taken to ensure that the business world can maintain a balance between energy efficiency and national economic growth.
“Yes. It is advisory in nature. Because, of course, the work-from-home policy does not impact economic growth. So it is advisory, and each company naturally has its own unique characteristics, so the technical aspects related to work from home, for example, are left to the companies,” Yassierli stated during a WFH press conference at the Ministry of Manpower office on Wednesday (1/4/2026).
He also stressed that this momentum can be used as a starting point for changing to more adaptive work patterns, particularly in promoting energy efficiency in the work environment.
“But the spirit is how to make the current conditions a momentum for us to adaptively adopt new ways of working, wise energy use, and so on,” he continued.
On the other hand, implementation in the field will not be uniform, especially for sectors that play a crucial role in public services and daily operations.
“So, to clarify, our advisory does not apply to certain sectors that must continue full operations. For example, sectors related to energy, health, public services, and so on. So for them, WFH is excluded,” Yassierli said.
Flexibility is also given in determining the days for implementing WFH in the private sector, differing from civil servants who are directed to specific days.
Regarding work locations, the government does not regulate specifically whether workers must be at home or can work from other places like cafes. The main focus remains on the productivity and energy efficiency that this policy aims to achieve.
“Each company naturally has its own unique characteristics, so the technical details are returned to each company,” he stated.