Ministry of Public Works Does Not Follow WFH Rule Every Friday

Public Works Minister Dody Hanggono has stated that his ministry will not implement the work-from-home (WFH) policy for civil servants (ASN). This decision applies to all work units, both at the central and regional levels.

“We have decided not to do WFH,” said Dody, as quoted by Antara on Friday, 10 March 2026.

Dody reasoned that the nature of the Ministry of Public Works’ tasks does not allow for WFH. He explained that the ministry is not only responsible for building infrastructure but also serves as part of the main team for disaster management alongside the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) in various regions of Indonesia.

With such a strategic role, he said, the physical presence of employees is very important to enable quick responses to emergency conditions. For example, in handling post-flood disasters in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.

Nevertheless, Dody said his ministry will still carry out President Prabowo Subianto’s orders to save energy and work effectively. He is addressing this by reducing electricity and room cooling usage after working hours, as well as utilising natural ventilation in workspaces where possible to save energy.

“Hopefully, in this way, even though we are not doing WFH, we can provide efficiency to the nation and state,” he stated.

The WFH policy for civil servants was set by the government as a measure to save energy amid rising global oil prices. ASN in central and regional agencies are scheduled to work from home one day a week to reduce fuel consumption.

This policy also responds to geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which impact global energy prices. Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto previously announced the policy as part of mitigating external pressures.