Extreme Weather Threatens Jakarta, Companies Asked to Implement WFH

Illustration of Jakarta flooding (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The Jakarta Provincial Government (Pemprov) appeals to companies to implement flexible work systems, including adjustments to working hours and work from home (WFH), as a mitigation measure in the face of increased rainfall and potential extreme weather.

The appeal was contained in the Circular Letter of the Head of the Jakarta Provincial Office of Manpower, Transmigration, and Energy (Disnakertransgi) which was issued on Thursday, January 22, referring to weather forecasts and early warnings from the DKI Jakarta Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD).

Head of the Jakarta Manpower and Transmigration Service, Saripudin, said this policy aims to protect the safety and health of workers without disrupting the continuity of business activities.

"We appeal to company leaders to adjust the work system through flexible working hours or WFH for work that can be done online. This is part of mitigating the risk of worker safety due to extreme weather," said Saripudin in a statement, Friday, January 23.

According to him, a more adaptive work arrangement is expected to reduce worker mobility during heavy rain, flooding, and transportation disruptions, so that the risk of accidents and delays can be suppressed.

However, the company is still required to fulfill the rights and obligations of workers in accordance with labor regulations, maintain productivity, and ensure occupational safety and health standards, especially for employees who must continue to serve in the field.

This adjustment is excluded for sectors with 24-hour operations or vital public services, such as health, public transportation, logistics, energy, and basic utilities. For these sectors, companies can combine WFH with physical presence proportionally according to operational needs.

Saripudin added that each company was asked to report the implementation of this policy to Disnakertransgi through the link that had been provided for monitoring and evaluation purposes.

The circular letter is valid from the date of its issuance and will be adjusted to the development of weather conditions or until the issuance of follow-up policies from the Jakarta Provincial Government.