PDIP's Deddy on WFH Plans: How to Ensure Civil Servants Work and Don't Go Sightseeing?
The government is examining the implementation of work from home (WFH) to save on fuel use amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. Member of Commission II of the House of Representatives, Deddy Sitorus, proposes that the WFH policy should be left to each respective agency.
“It might be effective for non-essential employees not directly involved in public service functions. And in my view, determining which civil servants or types of jobs are allowed WFH should be left to the respective agencies,” said Deddy at the start of his opinion on Wednesday (25/3/2026).
Deddy emphasised that public services must be prioritised in this matter. He called for clear standards to determine the effectiveness of the policy.
“The effectiveness of WFH greatly depends on the presence of internal monitoring mechanisms and technology. If there are no reliable SOPs and standardisations, it certainly won’t be effective,” said Deddy.
“If the IT technology and equipment are not available, it also won’t be effective. Every civil servant doing WFH must be connected via computer during working hours to be monitored and ensure productivity is not disrupted,” he added.
The PDIP DPP Chairman also questioned the readiness of facilities owned by each civil servant for working from home. In addition, he highlighted the professionalism of civil servants in carrying out WFH to prevent it from being misused for non-work activities.
“The question is, does every civil servant have computer equipment and a WIFI network connected during working hours? If not, how can we ensure that civil servants are working and not sightseeing, which ultimately doesn’t contribute to efforts to curb fuel consumption?” said Deddy.
It is known that Interior Minister Tito Karnavian revealed that several coordinating ministers and technical ministers have agreed on the implementation of one Work From Home (WFH) day per week as an effort to save fuel. Tito said the WFH implementation is just awaiting a report to President Prabowo Subianto and an official announcement to the public.
“We had a meeting yesterday, the meeting lasted almost 3 or 4 hours. Yes, but we agreed to speak with one voice, meaning whoever delivers it, I don’t know who, (the meeting) at the Palace. Whether it’s the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture, the Coordinating Minister for the Economy, or perhaps by the Cabinet Secretary (who will announce it). So, we just provide inputs, but I’m not authorised to convey it to the public,” said Tito after the PHTC update press conference at the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, on Wednesday (25/3/2026).
Nevertheless, Tito refused to reveal the agreed day for the WFH. Because, he said, the meeting results still need to be reported first to the President.