Government Sets Policy for Friday WFH and Budget Cuts

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The government has prepared a National Work Culture Transformation Program and an Energy Policy to anticipate global dynamics. This initiative specifically addresses the Middle East conflict and its subsequent impact on energy prices.

Through the National Work Culture Transformation Program, the government is accelerating the shift toward modern behavior. This initiative encourages work practices that are more efficient, productive, and digital-based.

"To this end, the government will implement a Work From Home (WFH) policy for both central and regional civil servants. WFH will be applied one working day per week, every Friday," Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto said during an online press briefing on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

This scheme also includes driving digital-based government governance transformation. Furthermore, the government will implement mobility efficiencies, including a 50 percent restriction on the use of official vehicles, except for operational purposes and the use of electric vehicles. Civil servants are also encouraged to utilize public transportation.

Efficiency measures will also be applied to domestic official travel by up to 50 percent, and overseas official travel by up to 70 percent. For regional administration, there is a recommendation to increase the frequency, duration, and road coverage of Car Free Day initiatives, tailored to local characteristics.

However, certain sectors remain exempt from the WFH program, specifically public services such as healthcare, security, and sanitation. Strategic sectors—including industry, production, energy, water, essential commodities, food and beverages, trade, transportation, logistics, and finance—are also excluded.

"The education sector will continue face-to-face teaching and learning activities across all levels of primary and secondary education for five days a week offline," added Minister Airlangga.

Additionally, there are no restrictions on sports events related to achievements or other extracurricular activities. For higher education, students in their fourth semester and above will follow guidelines as set by the Higher Education, Science and Technology Minister circular.

"The WFH policy takes effect on April 1 and will be evaluated after two months of implementation. Technical regulations will be outlined in circulars from the Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform (PANRB) Minister, the Home Affairs Minister, and the Manpower Minister," concluded Minister Airlangga. (Annaila Azzahra/Bambang MBKA)