Jakarta. Indonesia will implement a mandatory one-day work-from-home (WFH) policy each week for central government employees as part of efforts to reduce national fuel consumption, Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said on Wednesday.

Under the scheme, fuel consumption is projected to fall by up to 20% from normal levels.

The policy will be introduced after the Eid al-Fitr holiday for central government staff and could later be extended to private-sector workers and regional administrations.

“The policy has already been decided and will be formally announced by the coordinating minister for economic affairs,” Purbaya told reporters in Jakarta.

Purbaya dismissed concerns from some analysts that efficiency measures and mobility restrictions could dampen economic activity and slow growth. When similar cost-saving policies were introduced in early 2025, hospitality and tourism businesses reported a sharp decline in government bookings, affecting revenues.

However, Purbaya said the government had carefully assessed the economic impact of the policy. He argued that remote work would not only reduce fuel consumption but also lower commuting costs, which have been a significant burden for workers.

“This could support purchasing power, as savings from transport expenses can be redirected toward more essential needs,” he said.

Purbaya added that Friday is being considered as the preferred day for remote work, citing lower productivity levels compared with other weekdays. Working hours on Fridays are typically shorter due to extended midday breaks for Muslim congregational prayers.

“Friday has the shortest working hours, so the potential productivity loss is considered minimal,” he said.