MP Proposes WFH for Civil Servants on Wednesdays: Fridays Could Lead to Tourism

JAKARTA - A member of Commission II of the House of Representatives from the Golkar faction, Ahmad Irawan, has proposed that the implementation of working from home or Work From Home (WFH) one day per week for civil servants (ASN) and private sector workers be applied on Wednesdays.

He emphasised that selecting Wednesday as the WFH day is the most feasible option among other days.

This is because Wednesday is in the middle of the week, thus reducing the chances of people extending holidays or taking leave.

Irawan believes that if WFH is implemented mid-week, people will certainly remain at home to work.

Nevertheless, Irawan stated that the determination of the WFH implementation day is the government’s authority.

However, he cautioned against implementing WFH on Fridays.

“That day has the potential to be used for tourism instead. The public might view it as a long holiday,” he said.

Meanwhile, Irawan mentioned that the policy must run in parallel with policies on energy provision, logistics for residents’ essential needs, business activities during the WFH period, and public services.

“What is needed must be formulated prudently, relevantly, and able to assist in difficult situations,” added Irawan.

Regarding the implementation scheme, one emerging option is WFH one day per week.

The chosen day considers the smallest impact on work productivity.

“If it’s a holiday, the one selected is the one with the smallest impact on productivity. Friday has the shortest working hours. So the loss to productivity is considered the smallest,” said Purbaya on Wednesday.

“I don’t know. Clearly, factories won’t participate. Is it mandatory for the private sector? Maybe it’s just a recommendation. I don’t know. It’s mandatory for the government,” said Purbaya.