The Indonesian government is introducing significant flexibility for its workforce and addressing critical infrastructure financing. Civil Servants (ASN) and private sector employees are set to benefit from a five-day Work From Anywhere (WFA) or Flexible Working Arrangement policy bridging the Nyepi and Lebaran holidays in 2026. This forward-thinking measure, designed to boost economic activity, has quickly become a prominent topic, alongside the government’s commitment to settling the debt for the Jakarta-Bandung Whoosh High-Speed Rail using the State Budget (APBN), as widely reported by kumparanBISNIS on February 10th and 11th, 2026.
Flexible Working Arrangements for ASN and Private Sector During Lebaran 2026
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, confirmed that the new WFA policy for both ASN and private sector workers is a vital component of a broader economic stimulus package. The primary goal of this initiative is to invigorate public mobility and enhance purchasing power, particularly around major national holidays.
Clarifying the policy during an Idul Fitri 2026 HBKN Economic Stimulus press conference at Gambir Station in Central Jakarta on Tuesday, February 10th, Airlangga emphasized, “The government is implementing a Work From Anywhere scheme, let me be clear, this is Work From Anywhere or a Flexible Working Arrangement, not a holiday. The specific dates for this arrangement are March 16th, 17th, 25th, 26th, and 27th – a total of five days.” This strategic timing aims to provide flexibility while maintaining productivity during a period often marked by high travel.
Adding to the official directives, Minister of Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform (PANRB), Rini Widyantini, announced the issuance of Circular Letter Number 2 of 2026, which outlines the detailed implementation of WFA for Civil Servants. This directive ensures a standardized approach across government agencies.
Despite the implementation of WFA, Minister Widyantini underscored the importance of uninterrupted public services. She stated, “We expect government agencies to continue delivering essential public services that directly impact the community optimally. This includes critical sectors such as health services, transportation, security, and other strategic services, even during what would typically be a national holiday period.” The focus remains on seamless public support.
State Budget to Cover Whoosh High-Speed Rail Debt
In other significant news, Minister of State Secretary (Mensesneg) Prasetyo Hadi definitively confirmed that the Indonesian government would assume the debt burden of the Whoosh High-Speed Rail through the State Budget (APBN). This announcement aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s previous commitment to settle the Whoosh debt, which amounts to Rp 1.2 trillion annually.
Speaking at Gambir Station in Central Jakarta on Tuesday, February 10th, Prasetyo Hadi succinctly affirmed, “Yes (the Whoosh debt will be paid using the APBN).” This statement provides clarity on the financial responsibilities associated with the nation’s premier high-speed rail project.
Prasetyo further elaborated that discussions regarding the debt repayment are currently in their technical negotiation phase. The Palace has been kept informed, with reports indicating that the latest meeting on the matter is still undergoing detailed talks. These crucial negotiations for the debt settlement will be spearheaded by Rosan Roeslani, the CEO of Danantara Indonesia, highlighting the high-level attention given to the matter.
Providing an update on the progress, Prasetyo explained, “The last report from the meeting at Danantara indicates that finalization is still underway. Currently, the negotiation process or the technical discussions are directly being led by Mr. Rosan as the CEO of Danantara.” This signifies that the government is actively working towards a resolution for the Whoosh High-Speed Rail debt, ensuring the project’s long-term financial stability.