Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has limited new budget requests from ministries and agencies to safeguard the state budget amid global turbulence. He proposed work-from-home every Friday for civil servants and private sector after Eid al-Fitr 2026 to save up to 20 percent on fuel. This responds to the energy crisis from Middle East conflict.
Jakarta, March 21, 2026 – Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa stated he will limit new budget requests from ministries and agencies (K/L). “I will limit new budgets, don't submit anymore,” he told reporters at the Directorate General of Taxation office in Jakarta on Saturday. This policy is part of a strategy to maintain APBN health amid Middle East geopolitical pressures triggering over 40 percent global oil price rise since February 28, 2026, due to US-Iran war and Strait of Hormuz closure. The government targets 10 percent spending efficiency per K/L, though still under review. “Initially we proposed they submit 10 percent efficiency. But when I offered, they didn't cut but kept adding. So I said, I'll cut it,” Purbaya explained. Focus on non-essential programs like unclear meetings or policies with slow economic impact. Priority spending remains on time to safeguard liquidity. Separately, Purbaya proposed Friday WFH after Eid al-Fitr 2026 for civil servants (ASN) and urged private sector, excluding public services. “There's a rough calculation... (WFH can save) one-fifth, about 20 percent (BBM use),” he said. This creates longer weekends to boost domestic tourism while maintaining productivity. “Otherwise it'll be continuous holidays. No work then,” he added. Coordinating Minister for Economy Airlangga Hartarto confirmed one day per week WFH post-Eid. President Prabowo Subianto supported, recalling COVID-era WFH success in saving substantial fuel. Globally, IEA recommends WFH to cut oil demand, with road transport accounting for 45 percent, and plans to release 400 million barrels from reserves.
