By: Nur Utunissa
The rapidly evolving world of work demands that young workers possess not only academic knowledge but also practical experience. In this context, internship programs serve as a crucial bridge between education and the workplace. Through internships, young people can learn about work culture, improve their skills, and understand industry needs firsthand. Therefore, equitable access to internships is a strategic step towards opening up broader job opportunities for young people throughout Indonesia.
Internships are no longer just educational supplements. Many companies use internship experience as an indicator of job readiness for prospective employees. This experience helps participants develop both technical and non-technical skills such as communication, teamwork, discipline, and adaptability. However, access to internship programs remains unequal, with most opportunities concentrated in large cities.
This situation has drawn the government’s attention. Minister of Manpower Yassierli stated that the distribution of national internship participants remains concentrated on the island of Java, particularly Jakarta. Yassierli explained that this conclusion was the result of an evaluation of the National Internship Program Batch III, which has officially concluded.
According to Yassierli, college graduates tend to choose Jakarta for internships due to the provincial minimum wage (UMP) or experience in the capital. This phenomenon indicates that national economic centers remain the primary destination for internship participants. On the one hand, Jakarta offers a wider choice of industries and opportunities for personal development. However, on the other hand, the concentration of participants in certain areas has the potential to widen the opportunity gap for young people in the regions.
Therefore, equitable national internship opportunities are crucial to ensure that all young people have equal opportunities to develop their competencies and gain work experience. This program is aimed not only at students in large cities but also at graduates and students from various regions that have previously had limited access to industry.
Internships also play a role in bridging the gap between education and job market needs. Many graduates possess a strong theoretical understanding but lack hands-on work experience. Through internships, participants can understand real-world work processes, become familiar with professional standards, and enhance their preparedness for entering the workforce.
As a commitment to expanding these opportunities, the government has announced it will open 150,000 National Internship vacancies. This represents a significant step in providing learning opportunities and work experience for Indonesia’s young generation. Furthermore, participants will receive a stipend, fully covered by the government, in line with the minimum wage (UMP).
This policy is expected to reduce the economic barriers that have prevented some young people from participating in internship programs. With this financial support, opportunities to gain work experience will be more open to all groups, including those from rural areas and families with limited income.
Expanding internship programs also benefits the business world. Companies can reach more talent from diverse regions that may have previously lacked access to development opportunities. Indonesia boasts a vast pool of young talent spread across all regions. Through equitable internship distribution, this potential can be optimized to meet industry needs while improving the quality of the national workforce.
In the digital era, opportunities for equal internships are increasingly open. Many companies are now implementing remote or hybrid work systems that allow participants to participate in programs without having to travel to a major city. Communication technology and digital collaboration platforms help the learning process continue effectively even from different locations. This model can be a solution to overcome geographic barriers while expanding the reach of internship programs.
The government’s commitment to the sustainability of this program continues to be strengthened. Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs Spokesperson Haryo Limanseto confirmed that the government will launch Batch IV, or the second cohort of the National Internship Program, in early July 2026. This step demonstrates that the internship program is not merely temporary but part of a long-term strategy for human resource development.
Haryo also ensured that the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs and the Ministry of Manpower regularly monitor the implementation of the national internship program. Evaluation and oversight are crucial to ensure the program’s quality is maintained and provides tangible benefits to both participants and industry.
Equalizing national internships ultimately involves more than just providing learning opportunities, but also serving as a tool to improve the competitiveness of the Indonesian workforce. The work experience gained during internships can help graduates better prepare for the recruitment process and evolving industry needs.
This policy, a national priority program, reflects President Prabowo’s concern for the younger generation, particularly recent graduates, ensuring they have real opportunities to gain work experience and improve their competitiveness in the job market. By expanding access to internships, the government strives to create more equitable opportunities for all young Indonesians.
*) The author is a Literacy Activist at the Narasi Nusa Institute