WFA Policy Proposed to Curb National Fuel Consumption

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - A member of the National Energy Council (DEN) highlighted that the Work From Anywhere (WFA) policy is a crucial strategy for reducing national fuel (BBM) consumption. This measure is deemed highly relevant given the global dynamics currently impacting world crude oil supply and demand.

A member of DEN, Saleh Abdurrahman explained that tensions in the Middle East have significantly affected the availability of global crude oil and petroleum products. He noted that these conditions do not only drive prices upward but also make physical supply increasingly difficult to secure.

As reported by Antara, he revealed that Indonesia remains dependent on imports for crude oil and fuel products, specifically RON90 and RON92 gasoline. According to Saleh, even when funds are available, the scarcity of goods on the global market poses a serious obstacle to meeting national energy needs.

"We still import RON90 and RON92. When there is a scarcity or supply shortage abroad, it is not just about the price rising, the goods themselves become difficult to obtain," said Saleh Abdurrahman in Jakarta on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

Saleh detailed that domestic oil production stands at approximately 600,000 barrels per day (bpd), while refinery capacity reaches one million bpd. This deficit forces Indonesia to import hundreds of thousands of barrels of crude oil daily.

With total national consumption reaching between 1.4 and 1.6 million bpd, he emphasized the urgent need for conservation efforts, including reducing mobility and shifting to public transportation.

Furthermore, Saleh asserted that energy conservation is a long-term endeavor requiring behavioral changes through consistent socialization. He expressed belief that the WFA policy can help control fuel consumption, lower subsidies, and reduce air pollution.

"I hope that with WFA or WFH (Work From Home) policies, we can control our fuel consumption. It can make our consumption more targeted, if we are more efficient, subsidies will decrease, and pollution will also drop," he added.

Echoing this sentiment, public policy observer Trubus Rahardiansah viewed WFA as an anticipatory government step to face specific global conditions. He suggested that the policy must be meticulously prepared to address challenges regarding energy efficiency and public mobility.

Trubus noted that the government should develop flexible working schemes, as they are essential for anticipating extraordinary conditions that have cross-border impacts.

"I believe the government must take various actions, including preparing for remote work or working from various locations. Whether it is WFH or WFA, this is a good concept for anticipating global conditions," he said in Jakarta on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

Trubus pointed out that similar policies have been implemented in countries like Pakistan, Vietnam, and Thailand. He argued that Indonesia needs to study the frequency of such applications more deeply to ensure a significant impact on energy efficiency.

However, Trubus emphasized that the government still requires concrete studies on the policy's effectiveness before widespread implementation. He stressed the importance of precise calculations and public transparency to ensure broad acceptance.

He also warned that applying the policy solely to civil servants without involving other sectors would be insufficient. He suggested a gradual, measurable approach with continuous evaluation to ensure its effectiveness.

Finally, Trubus highlighted the necessity of educating the public on energy conservation as the primary goal. Effective communication is vital to prevent resistance resulting from incomplete information.

"The most important thing is how we educate the public on the principles of energy conservation. The ultimate goal is to save energy while we gradually transition to renewable energy," he concluded. (Annaila Azzahra/Bambang MBKA)