WFH Not Yet Implemented in Batam, Here's Why
The Batam City Government (Pemkot) has not yet implemented the Work From Home (WFH) policy of one day per week every Friday. This provision was previously regulated by the central government through a circular from the Ministry of Home Affairs, effective from 1 April 2026.
Batam Mayor Amsakar Achmad said the policy is still in the internal discussion stage. He mentioned holding a meeting with the Regional Secretary (Sekda), Regional Personnel Agency (BKD), and assistants to evaluate its possible implementation within the Pemkot Batam environment.
According to him, implementing WFH cannot be done without thorough calculations, especially regarding its impact on budget efficiency. He emphasised that the policy must be able to reduce operational expenses, such as the use of fuel oil (BBM) and electricity.
“If we do not use BBM for one or two days because of working from home, ideally the electricity and BBM costs should be lower,” he said.
He explained that the WFH concept must be well-formulated so as not to add to the budget burden instead. One scenario being considered is regulating electricity use in the office during WFH implementation.
“For example, during work from home, the office electricity is turned off and only units that continue working in the office use electricity, while others work from home,” he clarified.
In addition, he also asked each regional apparatus organisation (OPD) to conduct detailed calculations regarding the potential efficiency that can be achieved from the policy. According to him, if it does not provide real impact, then the WFH policy does not need to be implemented.
“If it does not provide impact, there is no point in making this policy,” he asserted.
He added that the WFH policy promoted by the central government must truly provide efficiency, especially in the use of BBM and other operational costs.
Amsakar also assured that the circular from the Ministry of Home Affairs has been forwarded to all technical OPDs for study and follow-up. He hopes the study conducted can result in the right decision and impact budget savings.