Jakarta — The government continues to strengthen the governance of the National Internship Program as one of its strategic policies to prepare high-quality and competitive human resources. In 2026, the government is targeting an expanded program scope with a quota of up to 100,000 fresh graduates, while simultaneously improving implementation quality to better align with the evolving needs of the business and industrial sectors.
The National Internship Program serves as a concrete solution to bridge the gap between education and the labor market. Through hands-on work experience, participants gain not only technical and soft skills, but also an understanding of workplace culture that is relevant to industry demands. The government also ensures that participants receive social protection and adequate allowances as a form of support for young job seekers.
Strengthening governance is a key focus to ensure the program is more measurable, transparent, and delivers long-term impact. Improvements to the selection system, expanded partnerships with the private sector, state-owned enterprises (SOEs), as well as ministries and government agencies are part of efforts to create an inclusive and sustainable national internship ecosystem.
Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya stated that the government views the National Internship Program as a strategic investment in Indonesia’s human capital development. According to him, increasing both the quota and the quality of implementation is crucial to provide more fresh graduates with opportunities to enter the workforce equipped with adequate experience.
“The government will once again open opportunities for fresh university graduates in mid-2026 with a minimum capacity of 100,000 internship participants,” Teddy said.
He emphasized that the program is designed not merely as a learning-by-working initiative, but as a platform to build strong connections between young talent and industry.
“Through this program, the government wants to ensure that fresh graduates have relevant work experience, making them better prepared to compete and contribute to national economic growth,” he added.
Echoing this view, Minister of Manpower Yassierli stressed that the sustainability of the National Internship Program reflects the government’s commitment to creating a competent and adaptive workforce. He considers the program a vital instrument in strengthening the foundation of national employment amid global dynamics.
“This national internship program is an important instrument in preparing a competent and competitive workforce for the long term,” Yassierli said.
Furthermore, Yassierli noted that the government will continue to encourage collaboration with the business and industrial sectors so that interns gain experience aligned with real labor market needs.
“We want this internship program to truly deliver added value, both for participants and for the companies and institutions involved,” he said.
In addition to expanding the quota, the government will open registration for the National Internship Program 2026 in phases through an official platform, ensuring fair access for fresh graduates from various regions and educational backgrounds. Growing enthusiasm from the business and industrial sectors is seen as a positive indicator of broad stakeholder support for the program.
Amid employment challenges and national economic transformation, the strengthening of the National Internship Program 2026 underscores the state’s presence in preparing job-ready, productive, and competitive young generations. This step reaffirms the government’s commitment to delivering pro-people, future-oriented policies that support sustainable human capital development.*