Purbaya Proposes WFH Every Friday, Beneficial for Both Civil Servants and Private Sector

The government is proposing a policy of Work From Home (WFH) for one day a week to save on fuel consumption amid global turmoil. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa believes Friday is the most suitable day for this policy, as its impact on productivity pressure is the lowest on that day. “Friday has the shortest working hours. So the loss to productivity is considered the smallest. Meanwhile, the commute is the same from here to the office,” said Purbaya at his office in Jakarta on Wednesday (25/3/2026). He explained that for civil servants (ASN), Fridays are usually used for group morning exercises, and working hours are also shortened by the obligation of Friday prayers. According to him, it is no different in the private sector, including factories. “Here in the morning we exercise, not long for Friday prayers, after prayers we relax, then go home. Factories are the same, the shortest. So it’s chosen as the one with the least shock to productivity,” stated Purbaya. Purbaya said the plan for implementing WFH has been discussed in a meeting chaired by Coordinating Minister Airlangga yesterday via video conference. The meeting was also attended by Interior Minister Tito Karnavian, State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi, Investment Minister/Head of BKPM Rosan Roeslani, Minister of Basic and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti, Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto, and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya. Tito explained that the meeting also discussed WFH policy for civil servants (ASN) to save on petroleum fuel (BBM) following the global oil price surge. However, he was not yet willing to reveal details regarding the plan. “We had the meeting yesterday, almost three or four hours. Yes, but we agreed to have one voice, meaning who will convey it. I don’t know who in the palace. Whether Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs (Pratikno), Coordinating Minister for the Economy (Airlangga Hartarto), or later by the State Secretary (Prasetyo Hadi). So, we only provide inputs, but I am not authorised to convey it to the public,” said Tito at the Bina Graha Building, Presidential Palace Complex, Central Jakarta. Tito said one of the schemes being considered is WFH for one day a week. Although he was not yet willing to reveal when the plan would be implemented. “What I heard is one day a week. But which day will be taken, let the decision-maker decide. The results of yesterday’s meeting will be reported to the president,” he said. “After there is direction from the president, then it will be officially announced. Just be patient,” he added.