Indonesia is taking a bold step to close the gap between education and employment through its newly launched National Internship Program. With thousands of fresh graduates and hundreds of companies already onboard, the initiative promises to reshape how young talent enters the workforce. Backed by government funding and industry collaboration, this program could redefine job readiness and economic inclusion for the next generation.
Key Facts & Background
- The Ministry of Manpower (Kemnaker) has recorded 451 companies registered as hosts for the National Internship Program, offering 1,300 positions to over 6,000 applicants.
- Participating companies include both private enterprises and state-owned enterprises (BUMN).
- The first phase will involve 20,000 recent university graduates (Diploma D1–D4 and Bachelor’s S1) in a six-month internship from October 15, 2025, to April 15, 2026.
- The program is part of the 2025 “8+4+5” Economic Package launched by the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs under President Prabowo Subianto’s directive.
- Interns will receive a stipend equivalent to the regional minimum wage (UMP), funded by the government and disbursed via Himbara member banks.
- Additional benefits include workplace accident and death insurance (JKK and JM), and mentorship from host companies.
- Companies are required to submit monthly progress reports to Kemnaker.
- Registration for host companies ran from October 1–7, 2025; participant registration and job selection occurred from October 7–12, followed by company-led selection and final announcements on October 13–14.
- Program management is conducted via the SIAPKerja platform at maganghub.kemnaker.go.id, with data integration from the Ministry of Higher Education (Diktisaintek).
- Ongoing outreach is being conducted with business associations such as Kadin, Apindo, Special Economic Zones, and BUMN to expand participation.
Strategic Insights
The National Internship Program represents a strategic pivot in Indonesia’s approach to workforce development, targeting the persistent challenge of graduate unemployment and skill mismatch. By embedding structured, government-backed internships into the post-graduation landscape, the initiative offers a scalable model for experiential learning and industry alignment. It not only enhances employability but also fosters a culture of collaboration between academia and enterprise.
This program’s design reflects a nuanced understanding of Indonesia’s labor market dynamics. With over 2 million graduates entering the job market annually, many face barriers due to lack of experience, limited networks, and uneven access to opportunities. By guaranteeing stipends and social protection, the government lowers the entry threshold for disadvantaged youth, promoting equity and inclusion. The use of digital platforms like SIAPKerja also signals a modernization of public employment services, improving transparency and accessibility.
From an economic standpoint, the internship program could serve as a catalyst for productivity and innovation. Companies gain access to fresh talent while contributing to national human capital development. For sectors facing skill shortages or undergoing digital transformation, this initiative offers a low-risk pathway to train and absorb new workers. Over time, it may also influence curriculum reform, as feedback loops between employers and universities become more robust.
Politically, the program aligns with broader goals of social mobility and economic resilience. It demonstrates the government’s commitment to youth empowerment and labor market reform, especially amid global uncertainties and technological disruption. If sustained and expanded, the National Internship Program could evolve into a cornerstone of Indonesia’s employment strategy—bridging education and enterprise, and laying the groundwork for a more agile, inclusive, and future-ready workforce.