On WFH for Civil Servants and Private Sector Workers, Airlangga Says It Can Save Fuel Significantly

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Coordinating Minister (Menko) for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto stated that the planned policy of work from home (WFH) for civil servants (ASN) and private sector workers could significantly save on fuel oil (BBM) usage.

The government will implement the WFH policy for one working day per week to achieve savings due to the conflict in the Middle East.

“That is why there will be savings in terms of mobility and petrol usage; the savings are quite significant, about one-fifth of what we usually spend,” said Airlangga after a meeting with President Prabowo Subianto at the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, on Thursday (19/3/2026).

However, this WFH policy will not be limited to ASN but will also apply to private sector workers.

“The technical details are being prepared, as it is hoped that this will not only cover ASN but also the private sector and regional governments,” he said.

Airlangga stated that the WFH policy will be enforced starting after Eid 2026, once the further technical arrangements are in place.

“Post-Eid, but we will determine the exact timing later,” said Airlangga.

“We will monitor the situation. The oil price situation, the war situation. So we will follow the developing circumstances,” he added.

Previously reported, President Prabowo Subianto proposed savings measures following the conflict in the Middle East after the United States (US) and Israel attacked Iran.

Prabowo conveyed this after explaining Pakistan’s budget-saving steps following that escalation, during a plenary cabinet meeting at the State Palace, Presidential Palace Complex, Central Jakarta, on Friday (13/3/2026).

“So, I ask that this be discussed later, perhaps by the Coordinating Ministers, how many days we will see. We will think about it. Previously, we tackled Covid-19 successfully. And we were able to do it,” said Prabowo.

“For example, how many civil servants and officials do not need to go to the office, reducing traffic and implementing major savings. We must consider reducing working days and other saving measures,” he added.