Indonesia Encourages Flexible Work for Civil Servants on Children's First Day of School

Government agencies in Indonesia are being encouraged to provide flexible working hours for civil servants (ASN) who wish to accompany their children on the first day of the new school year. The academic year 2026/2027 begins on Monday, July 13, with the initial week typically dedicated to the School Environment Introduction Period (MPLS) for new students.

This initiative, outlined in a letter from the Minister of Administrative Reform and Bureaucratic Reform, Rini Widyantini, aims to strengthen family bonds and enhance the parental role within ASN families. The policy allows civil servants with children in early childhood, primary, or secondary education to spend time with them during this important milestone.

While promoting this flexibility, officials emphasize that the quality of government operations and public services must remain unaffected. The goal is for civil servants to achieve a better work-life balance, enabling them to be more focused and adaptive without sacrificing professionalism or productivity.

The move aligns with the 'Father Accompanying Children on the First Day of School' movement, which recognizes the significant psychological impact of parental presence, particularly fathers, in a child's life. This policy aims to facilitate such moments without compromising the essential duties of civil servants.