Reasons Behind East Java Provincial Government's Designation of Wednesday as WFH for Civil Servants
The East Java Provincial Government has designated Wednesday as the implementation day for work from home (WFH) for civil servants (ASN). This designation is part of efforts to save fuel oil (BBM) due to the conflict in the Middle East.
The announcement was delivered by East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa while leading the assembly at the Provincial Regional Secretariat Office, on Wednesday, 25 March 2026.
“The Governor has announced that we will implement WFH on Wednesdays. This aligns with the central government’s directives to reduce BBM consumption amid the Middle East conflict,” said Deputy Governor of East Java, Emil Elestianto Dardak, to the media.
Emil explained that Wednesday was chosen based on various considerations. The Provincial Government does not want WFH on Fridays due to concerns it might lead to work from anywhere (WFA).
“If on Friday, it could turn into WFA at tourist spots. Meanwhile, we want to reduce societal mobility,” Emil stated.
Emil said this appeal is expected to reduce mobility, which impacts the decline in BBM consumption. Moreover, the Strait of Hormuz, the entry and exit point for BBM tankers, remains closed to date.
Emil added that the total number of ASN in the East Java Provincial Government is 81,700 people. Of these, 40,000 are in education and health sectors.
According to him, these two ASN sectors have been designed to work on shifts, and their services must meet the public directly. Therefore, educators and health workers cannot work remotely.
“Except for education, though. But we have just noted the statement from the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture that online learning will not be implemented, so it remains in-person. Thus, we are still awaiting further directions,” Emil clarified.
Emil calculated that BBM consumption in East Java could reach 12,150 kilolitres per day. The BBM savings through the WFH system are expected to reach 108,000 litres per month.
The former Trenggalek Regent is optimistic that ASN performance will continue to run well during the one-day WFH implementation. This is because they have applied it during the pandemic.
“During the pandemic, we worked remotely and achieved productivity. But some indeed had to be in the field, such as BPBD and the Public Works Department. So actually, many of them already work from anywhere,” Emil emphasised.