Minister Dody states WFH not implemented for civil servants in Ministry of Public Works

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Public Works Dody Hanggodo stated that the Work From Home (WFH) policy on Fridays for Civil Servants (ASN) is not being implemented within the Ministry of Public Works due to the nature of duties that require direct physical presence.

Dody explained that the Ministry of Public Works is not only responsible for building infrastructure but also serves as part of the primary team in disaster management alongside the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), and Regional Disaster Management Agencies (BPBD) across various regions of Indonesia.

“In the Ministry of Public Works, there is actually no WFH, because besides building infrastructure, we are also part of the main team in the event of disasters, working together with BNPB, Basarnas, and BPBD. For that reason, we decided not to implement WFH,” said Minister Dody during a press conference in Jakarta on Friday.

Given this strategic role, he believes that the physical presence of employees is crucial to ensure a quick, accurate, and coordinated response to emergency conditions with all relevant parties.

The situation in several regions such as Sumatra, including Aceh, West Sumatra, and North Sumatra, which are still affected by floods and landslide incidents, is the main consideration for not applying the WFH policy.

He mentioned that reports of fatalities due to disasters in some areas further strengthen the need for the direct presence of Ministry personnel to optimally support on-site handling.

“Yesterday there was a landslide and there were also fatalities in Deli Serdang. So it seems that it is indeed not possible for us to WFH,” said Minister Dody.

Efficiency efforts are being made, including reducing electricity and air conditioning use after working hours, as well as utilising natural ventilation in workspaces where possible to save energy.

He hopes that these efficiency steps will still provide tangible contributions to national budget savings, even though all employees continue to work directly in the office or in the field.

“Hopefully with this approach, although we are not doing WFH, there is still efficiency that we can provide to the nation and state,” said Minister Dody Hanggodo.