Neighbouring States Implement Work-From-Home to Save Fuel; What About Indonesia?
Jakarta — Deputy Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Yuliot Tanjung has commented on neighbouring countries’ fuel conservation policies, noting that Indonesia currently has no equivalent measures in place.
The Philippines and Thailand, for example, have implemented policies reducing office activities and encouraging citizens to work from home (WFH) temporarily.
Indonesia’s government, however, has not yet planned similar measures. Yuliot explained that WFH policies were previously implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic but resulted in economic contraction.
“We experienced that during Covid. If we cut activities, the consequence is economic decline. So we are conducting an assessment of all economic impacts from this fuel issue,” he said during a meeting at the BPH Migas office in Jakarta on Thursday, 12 March 2026.
Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia stated the government is prioritising fuel consumption efficiency by maximising domestic energy sources. The ministry is accelerating B50 biodiesel implementation as an alternative and speeding up E20 bioethanol rollout. “If fossil oil prices exceed US$100 per barrel, blending becomes more economical,” Bahlil said, speaking at the Energy Ministry office in Jakarta on Wednesday, 11 March 2026.
He reassured the public that subsidised fuel prices would remain stable at least until Eid. “The public should not worry about price changes, as there will be no subsidised fuel price increases until the holiday, God willing,” he stated, urging citizens to avoid panic buying.
Thailand’s government has requested civil servants to work from home where possible and raised air conditioning settings in government offices to 26 degrees Celsius to reduce electricity consumption. Officials were also asked to avoid international travel during the energy uncertainty period. These measures followed Thailand securing sufficient oil reserves for approximately two months, though the country temporarily halted oil exports to maintain energy reserves.
The Philippines implemented a four-day work week in several executive branch offices starting 9 March, announced President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The measure aims to conserve energy and reduce fuel consumption amid surging global oil prices. “From Monday, 9 March, we will temporarily implement a four-day week system in some executive branch offices, excluding emergency services and essential agencies like police and fire departments,” Marcos stated. He also directed all government agencies to reduce electricity consumption and fuel expenditure by 10 to 20 per cent, temporarily banned official travel and non-urgent government activities. The Department of Trade and Industry began operating its Makati offices remotely from 13 March.
Vietnam took a different approach by eliminating tariffs on imported oil products to prevent fuel shortages and stabilise the domestic market. The government encouraged companies to allow remote work where feasible. Vietnam also appealed to citizens to reduce private vehicle use, instead using public transport, bicycles, or carpooling. Despite these measures, energy volatility impacts Vietnam; unleaded petrol prices surged more than 20 per cent since regional tensions escalated, causing long queues at fuel stations.