Eid Al-Fitr: Indonesia Introduces Flexible Work Arrangement to Ease Travel Congestion
JAKARTA, March 2 (Bernama) – With millions of Indonesians preparing to travel home for Eid al-Fitr, the government has announced a flexible work arrangement (FWA) policy to help ease congestion during one of the year’s busiest travel periods.
Understanding the Initiative
The FWA policy allows employees to work remotely in the lead-up to Eid, aiming to stagger travel times and prevent the usual gridlock on roads, at airports, and on public transport. This initiative was developed in coordination with the Ministry of Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform to implement FWA, previously known as work from anywhere, in order to distribute mobility flows more evenly and reduce peak congestion.
Minister’s Statement
Minister Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono emphasized the importance of the policy, stating, "Starting from March 24, a week before Eid, we expect FWA to be in place, allowing people to start their journeys earlier and avoid traffic bottlenecks." He added, "This is part of our commitment to ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable journey for everyone celebrating Eid."
Challenges and Solutions
This year’s challenge is greater due to Eid coinciding with Nyepi, the Balinese Day of Silence, a Hindu celebration observed in Bali, and the government is considering adjusting school holidays to manage the influx of travellers. The Minister highlighted the need to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey for all.
Indonesia’s Eid Homecoming Tradition
Indonesia’s Eid homecoming tradition, known as "mudik", involves tens of millions of people travelling across the country, often causing severe congestion. The government’s FWA policy aims to alleviate this congestion and provide a more comfortable travel experience for all.
Conclusion
The introduction of the FWA policy is a significant step towards reducing travel congestion during Eid al-Fitr. By allowing employees to work remotely, the government hopes to ease the burden on public transport and roads, making it a more enjoyable experience for all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of the FWA policy?
A: The FWA policy aims to stagger travel times and prevent gridlock on roads, at airports, and on public transport.
Q: When does the FWA policy take effect?
A: The policy will be in place starting from March 24, a week before Eid.
Q: How will the FWA policy benefit travelers?
A: The policy will allow people to start their journeys earlier and avoid traffic bottlenecks, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable journey for all.