PDI-P Criticises WFH Proposal: Who Guarantees Civil Servants Won't Go Strolling?

A member of the House of Representatives’ Commission on Politics and Government from the PDI-P faction, Deddy Sitorus, has criticised the proposal for a work-from-home (WFH) system for civil servants (ASN) to curb fuel oil (BBM) consumption.

According to Deddy, the implementation of WFH for ASN must be accompanied by strict supervision. Otherwise, instead of reducing BBM consumption, it would lead to wasteful use.

“How can we ensure that ASN are working and not just going for a stroll, which ultimately does not contribute to efforts to reduce BBM consumption?” Deddy said when contacted on Thursday (26/3).

Deddy assessed that the implementation of WFH could be effective for non-essential employees who are not directly involved in public service functions. Therefore, the government must regulate clearly so that WFH does not apply uniformly.

On the other hand, he believes the effectiveness of the system will depend on supervision. If it is not accompanied by clear standard operating procedures (SOP), its implementation will not be effective.

“The effectiveness of WFH greatly depends on the presence of internal supervision mechanisms and technology. If there is no reliable SOP and standardisation, it certainly will not be effective,” he said.

Deddy therefore proposed that all ASN who will work from home must be connected to computer devices and the internet. In addition, all superiors must always monitor the performance of their subordinates.

“Every ASN who does WFH must be connected via computer during working hours so that they can be supervised and work productivity is not disrupted,” he said.

The WFH proposal was previously discussed in a cabinet meeting at the State Palace on 13 March 2026. President Prabowo Subianto wants to save BBM and is considering WFH to anticipate the impact of the global crisis due to conflicts in West Asian countries.

“I ask this to be discussed later, perhaps by the Coordinating Ministers in a few days. We will see. We think about it. Previously, we dealt with COVID, we succeeded. And we were able, many worked from home, efficiency, meaning we saved a very large amount of BBM,” Prabowo said.