WFH Policy Not Effective Without Strict and Variable Supervision of Force

UGM Energy Economics Observer Fahmy Radhi assessed that the policy of working from home or Work from Home (WFH) one day a week to save fuel oil (BBM) will not be fully effective without strict supervision.

The reason is that he doubts the discipline of ASN and private workers if this policy is implemented without forced variables such as during the COVID-19 pandemic. He is afraid that Friday will be used to travel outside the city.

"It is possible that ASN and private workers do not work at home on Friday, but Work from Everywhere (WFE) at tourist attractions enjoy a long weekend so that fuel consumption cannot be significantly saved," said Fahmy, Sunday, April 5.

In addition to low effectiveness, there is still a negative economic impact for sectors that support daily mobility of workers in the office. "WFH 1 day has the potential to reduce income for the transportation sector, including ojol services, UMKM stalls that have been providing lunch for ASN and private workers, and other businesses," he continued.

Fahmy also highlighted the potential for productivity decline in the manufacturing sector.

Therefore, he urged the government to conduct a thorough evaluation regarding the comparison of the benefits of subsidy savings with losses in other sectors.

"The government should consider carefully by calculating the cost and benefit of WFH 1 day. Don't let the implementation of WFH 1 day provide benefits in terms of saving fuel subsidies, but other sectors that have to bear the cost (cost)," he said.

As is known, the government officially set a WFH policy for State Civil Servants (ASN) for one day a week, namely every Friday.

Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Airlangga Hartarto, stated that this policy was taken in response to global energy supply turmoil due to the conflict in the Middle East.

This policy has been regulated through the Circular Letter of the Ministry of PANRB and the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Meanwhile, for the private sector, the regulation is through the Minister of Manpower Circular by still paying attention to the needs of each business sector.

However, WFH does not apply to public and strategic services sectors, such as the health sector, security, cleanliness, and strategic sectors such as industry or production, energy, water, basic commodities, food and beverages, trade, transportation, logistics, and finance.