Indonesia considers WFH policy to cut fuel use amid global oil supply concerns

Indonesia is considering asking millions of workers to stay home as it explores an unconventional strategy to manage its energy consumption.

The proposal, still under review, comes as the nation braces for potential disruptions in global oil supplies amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. 

Officials say reducing daily commuting could help curb fuel consumption at a critical moment. Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia confirmed that the government is exploring a range of policy options, including a possible work-from-home (WFH) scheme. 

Speaking in Jakarta, he framed the idea not as a pandemic-era throwback, but as a pragmatic response to looming energy risks. “We are mulling several steps, including WFH, which I see as a feasible option. Most importantly, we must act on fuel savings,” Lahadalia said.

The consideration reflects a broader strategy to insulate Indonesia from external shocks in energy markets. While the country has long relied on fuel subsidies to stabilize domestic prices, rising global uncertainty is prompting policymakers to look at demand-side interventions alongside supply management.

For now, the government is seeking to reassure the public that immediate shortages are unlikely. Lahadalia said domestic supplies of gasoline, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and coal remain sufficient, particularly as the country approaches Eid al-Fitr in 2026, a peak period for travel and energy consumption.

To meet seasonal demand, additional LPG shipments are expected later this month. Coal supplies for power plants have also been secured for up to two weeks, meeting the national minimum reserve requirement.

“Rest assured, we have enough energy supply through the Eid period,” Lahadalia said, emphasizing that contingency planning is already in place.

The government also intends to maintain fuel subsidies at least until the end of the holiday season, cushioning consumers from potential price spikes. A more comprehensive review of energy reserves and policy direction is slated for after March.

Beyond immediate measures, officials say they are preparing layered strategies spanning the short, medium, and long term. The inclusion of remote work in that mix signals a shift toward behavioral and structural approaches to energy conservation, an acknowledgment that managing demand may be as critical as securing supply.

Whether Indonesia ultimately rolls out a nationwide WFH directive remains uncertain. But the mere consideration underscores how global energy volatility is reshaping domestic policy playbooks, pushing governments to revisit tools once reserved for public health crises—now repurposed for energy resilience.

Meanwhile, the Philippines has already urged private sector employers to offer flexible work options, such as shorter workweeks, hybrid arrangements, or remote work, as they grapple with the fuel crisis across the region.