Minister of Public Works Ensures No Weekly Work-from-Home Rule for Civil Servants

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The Minister of Public Works (PU) Dody Hanggodo has assured that there is no work-from-home (WFH) policy for his staff. This decision takes into account the strategic role of the ministry in handling infrastructure and disaster response in various regions.

“PU, besides building infrastructure, is also part of the main team in the event of disasters, working together with BNPB, Basarnas, and BPD. Therefore, it was decided that we will not implement WFH,” said Dody at the Ministry of PU on Friday (10/4/2026).

In the current situation, the Ministry of PU is deemed unable to relax the physical presence of its employees, especially due to direct involvement in the field. Cross-agency coordination is also a crucial factor that demands constant readiness. Nevertheless, the government is still seeking ways to maintain operational efficiency without disrupting core performance.

“But indeed, it was decided that we strive to work effectively and efficiently. For example, what we do after 5 pm, we completely reduce our electricity use after 5 pm, we reduce the AC. So, for rooms that can use AB, a fan, just use AB, no need for AC,” Dody stated.

These savings measures are described as part of efforts to support national budget efficiency. Reducing the use of electricity and room cooling is one simple method being applied in the office environment. This policy is also currently being evaluated to measure its impact on expenditures.

“So, hopefully with this method, even though we are not WFH, there is still efficiency that we can provide to the state treasury. That is something that will be measured by Karobim. So, if WFH in PU, no, there is none,” Dody remarked.

On the other hand, field conditions indicate that the need for employee presence is increasingly urgent. Several regions in Indonesia are still facing disasters such as floods and landslides. This requires the Ministry of PU to remain fully alert in carrying out its duties.

“Especially in the regions, especially in places like Sumatra, North Sumatra, West Sumatra, no way. Because I definitely get reports, Aceh is still flooded, and North Sumatra is also still flooded. Yesterday there was a landslide with fatalities in Deli Serdang. So, it seems that for us, it is impossible to implement WFH,” Dody said.

CNBC Indonesia’s observations at one of the Directorates, namely the Directorate General of Highway Development, show that there is no WFH policy. Services run as usual; at 11:00 WIB, employees continue to serve the public or companies applying for permits.

“We don’t have WFH, so it’s normal working until the afternoon around 3 pm,” said an employee before Friday prayers.