Indonesia Urges One-Day Remote Work Each Week

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian government is urging companies to allow employees to work from home one day a week as part of the national energy conservation strategy.

This policy is outlined in Circular Letter No. M/6/HK.04/III/2026 issued by the Minister of Manpower concerning the Work-From-Home Program and the Workplace Energy Utilization Optimization Program. The directive follows President Prabowo Subianto’s instruction to promote an energy-saving culture across sectors.

Under the program, private companies, state-owned enterprises (BUMN), and regional-owned enterprises (BUMD) have full flexibility to manage the technical aspects of WFH implementation, including scheduling and working hours.

“The heads of private companies, BUMN, and BUMD are urged to implement a work-from-home policy for workers one day per week,” Manpower Minister Yassierli said at a press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

The circular guarantees that workers’ rights remain protected. Wages and entitlements must be paid according to regulations, annual leave cannot be reduced due to WFH, and employees working from home must carry out their duties and obligations.

Companies are required to ensure that performance, productivity, and service quality are maintained. “Each company determines the technical implementation of WFH,” Minister Yassierli added.

Not all sectors are eligible to implement the policy. Industries requiring physical presence, such as healthcare, energy, transportation, manufacturing, food and beverage, public services, and the financial sector, are exempt due to operational needs.

The circular also emphasizes workplace energy efficiency beyond work arrangements. Companies are encouraged to adopt energy-saving technologies, control electricity and fuel consumption, and involve workers in designing more efficient systems.

The government highlights the importance of collaboration between management and workers in building shared awareness of energy use.

According to the minister, the policy aims to strengthen national energy resilience while fostering productive, adaptive, and sustainable work practices. “This circular is to be used as guidance and implemented accordingly,” Minister Yassierli said. ***