The WFA Implementation in Indonesia has become a widely discussed topic as the government encourages businesses and civil servants to adopt flexible work arrangements. While officials promote Work from Anywhere (WFA) to reduce traffic congestion and enhance efficiency, businesses and experts remain divided on its practicality and impact.
Government Push for WFA Implementation in Indonesia
The Indonesian government has been actively promoting WFA, particularly for civil servants (ASN). According to Adita Irawati, spokesperson for the Presidential Communication Office (PCO), this initiative aims to ease travel congestion during the upcoming Eid holiday and increase workplace flexibility.
“For FWA (Flexible Working Arrangements), the Ministry of Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform (PAN-RB) is currently preparing the regulations as a guideline for civil servants to implement it,” Adita explained as reported by kabarbisnis.com.
Additionally, the provincial government of South Sulawesi has announced a structured WFA policy, requiring ASN to work in the office for three days and remotely for two. Governor Andi Sudirman Sulaiman emphasized as reported by inikata.co.id that outcomes matter more than physical presence. “As long as the work gets done, that is what’s important,” he stated.
Business Reactions and Sectoral Challenges
While WFA offers flexibility, business leaders argue that it cannot be universally applied. The Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo) stressed that each industry has unique operational requirements, making WFA impractical for some sectors.
“Apindo understands the government’s intention to reduce traffic congestion and improve mobility efficiency. However, this policy cannot be generalized across all business sectors due to their diverse characteristics,” said Apindo Chairwoman Shinta Widjaja Kamdani.
Certain industries, such as information technology and creative professions, can adopt WFA with minimal disruption. However, sectors like manufacturing, retail, logistics, and tourism rely on an on-site workforce to ensure smooth operations. Shinta warned that poorly planned WFA policies could disrupt supply chains and affect market stability.
“If WFA is implemented without careful planning and calculation, there is a risk of supply chain disruptions that could impact market stability,” she emphasized.
Effectiveness of WFA Policy for Workers and Employers
Supporters argue that WFA enhances work-life balance, reduces commuting stress, and boosts efficiency. Digitalization allows employees to work remotely without compromising productivity.
On the other hand, critics raise concerns about tracking performance and maintaining collaboration. Public policy expert Andi Naharuddin from Hasanuddin University believes WFA could weaken public services if not managed properly.
“Public services must not be compromised. Even with a six-day workweek, service efficiency remains a challenge. Reducing office days to three could further impact performance,” Andi warned.
The government views WFA as a cost-saving measure, aligning with Presidential Instruction No. 1 of 2025 on budget efficiency. The National Civil Service Agency (BKN) believes this approach will improve the digital management of civil servants while reducing unnecessary expenses.
“The two-day WFA and three-day office formula can cut unnecessary costs while testing the effectiveness of the integrated Civil Service Information System (SIASN),” said Head of the National Civil Service Agency, Zudan Arif Fakrulloh.
The Future of WFA in Indonesia’s Workforce
The future of WFA Implementation in Indonesia depends on careful execution and industry-specific adjustments. Business leaders advocate for companies to set internal policies based on their needs rather than adopting a blanket approach.
“Policies like WFA should be optional and left to each company’s internal regulations,” Shinta concluded.
As Indonesia moves forward with WFA, balancing flexibility with operational stability remains critical. Policymakers, businesses, and workers must collaborate to ensure that remote work benefits productivity while maintaining service quality. Without careful planning, WFA could create more challenges than solutions.
Source: kabarbisnis.com, inikata.co.id
Image: Getty Images
