Pertalite consumption drops by nearly 9% as government extends WFH for two months

JAKARTA — The government has decided to extend the work-from-home (WFH) policy for the next two months. The decision follows the policy’s effectiveness in reducing oil consumption, particularly Pertalite. Economic Coordination Minister Airlangga Hartarto said government evaluations showed Pertalite usage in April 2026 fell by nearly 9% since WFH was implemented. ‘We evaluated the WFH policy over two months and the results were quite positive, with Pertalite usage in April dropping by nearly 9%. Therefore, it has been decided to continue,’ Airlangga stated at the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs in Jakarta on Tuesday (26 May 2026). The policy is part of the government’s efforts to support economic stimulus in the second quarter of 2026. Airlangga explained that the continuation of WFH would be regulated through new circulars from relevant ministries and agencies. The Ministry of Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform (KemenPAN RB) will issue a circular for civil servants (ASN). The State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Management Board will implement similar policies for state-owned enterprises. The Ministry of Manpower will also issue a circular urging the private sector to adopt flexible working arrangements. The meeting also addressed other economic stimulus measures to support consumer purchasing power and maintain economic growth in the second semester of 2026. These measures include discounted flight tickets, tax incentives for writers, and a national internship programme.