MP Warns: Don't Let Civil Servants and Private Workers Turn WFH into Holidays, It Would Waste More Fuel

JAKARTA - A member of Commission II of the House of Representatives from the Golkar faction, Ahmad Irawan, has reminded the government that the work-from-home (WFH) policy for one day per week must be accompanied by effective restrictions. Irawan stated that civil servants (ASN) and private sector workers should not turn WFH into holidays, as this would result in greater fuel (BBM) consumption compared to working in the office. “The WFH policy must be regulated in detail, practically, and flexibly. The restrictions on WFH activities must be clear and explicit. Don’t let ASN and private sector workers be asked to work from home, only to travel far for holidays that consume even more BBM,” Irawan told Kompas.com on Thursday night (19/3/2026). Additionally, he said, the government must calculate the impact of WFH on the economy. “Likewise, other elements related to public services and economic activities must also be maintained,” he added. Meanwhile, Irawan requested that this WFH policy be only a temporary emergency response. “So psychologically, the public and business actors must first be explained about the steps that will be taken. The government must be proactive in explaining. The public will surely understand given the global conditions and pressures,” Irawan further stated. The government will implement the WFH policy for one working day per week to save fuel amid the Middle East conflict. “That’s why there will be savings in terms of mobility and petrol usage; the savings will be quite significant, one-fifth of what we usually spend,” said Airlangga after a meeting with President Prabowo Subianto at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on Thursday (19/3/2026). However, this WFH policy will not only apply to ASN but also to private sector workers. Airlangga stated that the WFH policy will begin to be implemented after the 2026 Eid holidays once the technical details are finalised. “Post-Eid, but we will determine the exact timing later,” Airlangga said.