Ministry Offices Deserted on First WFH Friday, Canteens Closed

Several ministry offices were observed to be quiet on the first day of implementing work from home (WFH) for civil servants (ASN), Friday (10/4). CNNIndonesia.com’s observations from 08:00 WIB at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology office in Senayan, Central Jakarta, showed a deserted atmosphere in the motorcycle and car parking areas. The parking lots appeared empty with few vehicles parked. In the office lobby, the scene was similarly quiet. There was no bustle of employees, only a few security personnel. “On the first day of WFH, the atmosphere is like this,” said a security officer. The canteen in this ministry office was observed to be closed. Chairs in front of the food stalls were seen propped up on tables. A similar atmosphere was evident at the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education office in the same complex. There was no activity in the office lobby or movement of employees. Several canteens were also closed. At the Ministry of Culture office, a quiet atmosphere was also visible from the parking area to the office lobby. Previously, the government officially implemented a WFH system for ASN one day a week every Friday to enhance energy efficiency in the face of global conflicts. The government also restricted the use of official vehicles and encouraged the use of public transportation. Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto estimated that the WFH policy would save the State Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBN) by up to Rp6.2 trillion. “The potential savings from this Work from Home policy directly to the APBN is Rp6.2 trillion, in the form of fuel compensation savings,” he said during an online press conference on Tuesday (31/3).