MP: WFH Policy Needs Comprehensive Review
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) Muhammad Khozin stated that the government’s plan for a work-from-home (WFH) policy in response to the escalation in the Middle East causing a rise in global oil prices requires comprehensive mitigation based on its effectiveness and efficiency.
“It needs to be examined precisely, considering the format of WFH that the government will pursue, taking into account the effectiveness of public services, fuel efficiency, and the economy of the community,” said Khozin in a statement in Jakarta on Friday.
According to the MP from the electoral district of East Java (Jatim) IV (Jember and Lumajang), Indonesia’s experience during the COVID-19 period in 2020-2021 serves as important data for formulating this WFH policy.
He stated that the WFH policy must be based on concrete field data, starting from demographics, policy effectiveness, and local community economic considerations.
“So, it must truly be based on quantitative field data in issuing this policy,” said Khozin.
According to him, the policy to be pursued should not only consider one aspect but various aspects must serve as the basis for issuing the policy.
He exemplified that the plan to implement one day of WFH per week is deemed to have no significant impact on fuel savings.
“So, multiple aspects must be used as references in issuing this WFH policy. It could also start from areas with high work mobility such as Jakarta, Depok, Bandung, Surabaya, and several other major cities,” said Khozin.
In addition, Khozin mentioned that the current situation is the right momentum to design good and effective public transportation in the regions.
According to him, if civil servants (ASN) and the private sector optimally use public transportation, it can have a significant impact on fuel consumption.
“Local governments must design comfortable and safe public transport so that ASN and private workers can optimise the use of public transport. This step is not only efficient in fuel consumption but also preserves the environment by reducing air pollution,” said Khozin.
It is known that Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto stated that the government is preparing a flexible work scheme in the form of WFH as a response to the rise in oil prices.
“Regarding the study, that with high oil prices, efficiency in working hours is needed, where flexibility for work from home will be opened,” said Airlangga in a press statement after a limited meeting with President Prabowo Subianto at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on Thursday (19/3) afternoon.
Airlangga explained that the policy is designed to provide flexibility for one day of WFH in five working days. The scheme is not only aimed at ASN but also includes the private sector and local governments.