MP: WFH Not the Sole Solution for Energy Saving
A member of Commission XII of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Ratna Juwita Sari, has reminded the government not to make work-from-home (WFH) policies the sole solution for saving energy or fuel oil (BBM), which will begin in April this year.
According to Ratna, the WFH approach is too narrow and risks ignoring strategic aspects in national energy governance.
“WFH is not the sole solution. Do not let energy-saving policies be taken in an instant manner without thorough planning and comprehensive study,” said Ratna in a written statement on Saturday, 28 January 2026.
Ratna assesses that energy-saving policies should not only be burdened on the work patterns of civil servants but also target major sectors that have been the largest contributors to energy consumption. Thus, the government needs to introduce more systemic, measurable, and equitable policies.
“If serious about saving energy, do not just change the work patterns of civil servants. Also improve energy management in government buildings, encourage industrial efficiency, and optimise public transport. That will have far greater impact,” she stated.
This politician from the National Awakening Party has reminded that WFH policies have social and economic consequences that need to be considered, such as work productivity, the quality of public services, and the increased burden of household electricity costs.
Ratna encourages the government to take more constructive steps than just WFH, including a comprehensive national energy audit in the public and industrial sectors, accelerating the transition to renewable energy, improving electricity usage efficiency in state facilities, and strengthening mass transportation to curb BBM consumption.
“Do not let this policy seem symbolic. Energy saving must be data-based, priority sector-based, and have real impact for the country,” she said.
The government plans to implement WFH for civil servants and the private sector to save national BBM reserves due to the war in West Asia. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa claims that implementing one day of work from home will not disrupt the national economy. The government is currently drafting regulations for one day of WFH per week to anticipate the energy crisis due to the war raging in West Asia.
Purbaya said that the policy would be efficient in curbing energy consumption if the WFH day is chosen carefully, for example, on Friday. “It should be no problem, if it’s just one day. Our total productivity will not be too disrupted,” said Purbaya at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Friday, 27 March 2026.
Purbaya is optimistic that the one-day WFH regulation can reduce the use of fuel oil or BBM. However, he admitted that he does not know the detailed amount of savings.