Gov’t Issues Circular on Work System Adjustment for State Civil Apparatus after Eid Holidays

Minister of State Apparatus Empowerment and Bureaucratic Reform (PANRB) Abdullah Azwar Anas (Photo by: PR of Cabinet Secretariat/Agung)

Minister of State Apparatus Empowerment and Bureaucratic Reform (PANRB) Abdullah Azwar Anas Saturday (04/13) issued Circular Number 1 of 2024 on the Adjustment of Work System for State Civil Apparatus (ASN) at Government Institutions following National Holidays and Joint Eid al-Fitr Leaves.

The Circular stipulated a blend of in-office (WFO) and remote (WFH) official duties for ASN effective from Tuesday (04/16) to Wednesday (04/17).

Anas, in his statement Saturday (13/04/2024), said that this arrangement was made to strengthen the management of Eid backflow. He emphasized that WFH and WFO scheme are implemented strictly while prioritizing organizational performance and the quality of public services.

According to the Minister, the adjustment was made to support Eid return flow management, emphasizing strict adherence to WFH and WFO protocols while prioritizing organizational performance and public service quality.

“In government institutions directly engaged in public services, we will maintain full 100 percent WFO. For those involved in administration and leadership support, WFH may be implemented for up to half of the employee number with specific arrangements determined by each institution,” the Minister said.

The Minister also cited an example of institutions that will remain at 100 percent WFO, including those directly involved in public services such as healthcare, security, disaster management, energy, logistics, postal services, transportation, distribution, national vital facilities, national strategic projects, construction, and essential utilities.

“That way, any services directly serving the public will continue to operate optimally as directed by President Jokowi regarding outstanding public service performance under all circumstances,” he stressed.

The Minister further mentioned that institutions involved in government services and leadership support may implement WFH for up to 50 percent of their employees, including secretariats, protocol, policy formulation, research, and analysis.

“Institutions involved in government administration and leadership support can allow up to 50 percent of their employees to work from home. The specific percentage, whether it’s 40 percent, 30 percent, and so on, is determined by the Personnel Development Officer (PPK) in each agency. For instance, if the PPK decides on 40 percent WFH, then the remaining 60 percent of employees must work from office,” he said.

For the record, the Government has designated national holidays along with a six-day Eid al-Fitr holiday followed by a four-day weekend, resulting in a total of 10 days off.

“With the extraordinary enthusiasm for the annual tradition of mudik (exodus) this year, supported by increasingly improved accessibility in various parts of the country, it is deemed necessary to make adjustments to the work of ASN as part of the management of the homecoming flow. So that the return flow can be smoother, there will be no build-up that causes long traffic jams,” he said.

“Given the high level of enthusiasm for this year’s traditional mudik (exodus) bolstered by improved accessibility across various regions, adjustments to the work schedules of government employees are necessary to manage the influx of travelers returning home. These changes aim to facilitate smoother traffic flow, preventing congestion and long delays,” he added.

Anas also conveyed that the Ministry has discussed the regulatory policies regarding WFH and WFO scheme with the National Police and Ministry of Transportation.

The Minister urged all government institutions to monitor and oversee the fulfillment and attainment of organizational performance goals and targets.

“We need to ensure that the Eid holiday does not disrupt performance targets and service quality,” he said.

In addition, Anas also urged government agencies to establish channels for consultations and complaints, especially concerning services during the Eid holiday.

“Therefore, people can keep an eye on how well the Government is serving them. And if they’re not happy with the service they receive, especially during Eid, they can easily raise their concerns through the Lapor portal or the People’s Online Aspiration and Complaints Service,” the Minister remarked. (PR of Ministry of PANRB/UN) (RIF/MUR)