Regarding ASN WFH, DPRD: Public Services Must Be Prioritised
Secretary of Commission A of the DKI Jakarta DPRD, Mujiyono, has reminded that the work-from-home (WFH) policy for civil servants (ASN) within the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government must not become an opportunity for declining work discipline. He stressed that work flexibility must still be accompanied by measurable performance and optimal public services.
“Work flexibility is not a loophole to reduce ASN discipline. Performance and public services must remain a priority,” Mujiyono stated in his comments on Saturday (4/4).
The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government previously began implementing the WFH policy as part of efforts to achieve energy efficiency, particularly saving on fuel oil (BBM), while also reducing mobility burdens in the capital.
This scheme is expected to keep the wheels of government running without sacrificing productivity.
He assessed that the step is relevant to Jakarta’s characteristics, which have high mobility levels. The implementation of WFH is believed to reduce traffic congestion and energy consumption, especially during peak hours.
However, Mujiyono reminded that this policy is still in the early stages of implementation, so field dynamics cannot be avoided. He emphasised that the adjustment period must not drag on because it could potentially create perceptions of lax discipline among ASN.
“If not fixed immediately, it could create an impression of lax discipline and impact the policy’s effectiveness,” he said.
In carrying out its oversight function, Commission A is collaborating with several work partners, from the Regional Civil Service Agency (BKD), the Organisation and Bureaucratic Reform Bureau (ORB), the Government Bureau, to the Inspectorate. All are asked to ensure that WFH implementation runs according to its objectives and does not disrupt public services.
According to him, the main challenge is not the ASN’s work location, but the supervision and performance measurement system that is not yet fully optimal. Therefore, the DPRD is pushing for strengthening an output-based system that is clear, measurable, and accountable.
“Without strengthening supervision, work flexibility risks reducing ASN performance and impacting the quality of public services,” he asserted.
He also emphasised that the WFH policy cannot be applied uniformly across all lines. ASN in sectors providing direct services to the public must still work from the office to ensure services are not disrupted.
Besides the discipline aspect, Commission A also highlighted the budget efficiency targets from the policy. Heads of Regional Work Units (SKPD) are asked to ensure savings in operational costs, from electricity, water, telephone, internet to office stationery (ATK), with a minimum target of 20 percent.
Commission A also appreciates the steps taken by the Governor of DKI Jakarta in emphasising strict supervision and sanctions for ASN who violate WFH provisions. The enforcement of rules is seen as key to preventing misuse of the policy.
“Misuse of WFH cannot be tolerated. Rules must be enforced firmly and consistently,” Mujiyono said.
He added that the WFH policy should become a momentum to overhaul the bureaucratic work system comprehensively. The orientation of ASN work, he said, must shift from mere physical presence to performance achievements and service quality.
“The measure is clear, not where ASN work, but how performance remains improved and public services are not disrupted,” he concluded.