RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian government has introduced a work-from-home (WFH) policy for civil servants and has urged private-sector businesses to follow suit. The measure is intended to cut fuel consumption by up to 20 percent and ease traffic congestion.

However, concerns have emerged that the policy could affect micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) operating around office areas. Small traders and food stalls, including warteg (Javanese food stall), risk losing revenue due to reduced worker mobility.

Head of the Jakarta regional chapter of the Nusantara Warteg Community (Kowantara), Izzudin Zidan, said the WFH policy could slash warteg income by millions of rupiah each month.

“We estimate that warteg businesses near offices can earn more than IDR 1 million per day. With WFH, however, this income could drop by IDR 800,000 to IDR 1 million,” he told RRI Pro 3 on Friday, April 3, 2026.

Monthly earnings could decline by IDR 3.6 million to IDR 4 million. Even so, Izzudin said food stalls will remain open, as they still serve employees and other customers.

“It’s just that portions of cooked food may be reduced. We also hope the government can stabilize food ingredient prices so the impact of reduced income is minimized,” he added. (Misni Parjiati/Lasti Martina)