Jakarta — The National Internship Program 2026 has officially been expanded as part of the government’s strategic efforts to accelerate the absorption of young workers and improve graduate readiness for the labor market. With an expanded participant quota, the program is projected to become a vital bridge between the education sector and the real needs of industry.
The government has confirmed that the National Internship Program will reopen in 2026 with a minimum quota of 100,000 participants. The program targets fresh university graduates as an effort to reduce unemployment while strengthening the job readiness of the younger generation.
Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya stated that the government has prepared a quota of 100,000 participants for the National Internship Program 2026, which is planned to open in mid-year.
“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.
According to Teddy, the National Internship Program is being reopened due to its proven success in delivering direct benefits to participants by providing early work experience. The program is designed to reduce unemployment while strengthening the alignment between university graduate competencies and industry needs.
“Most importantly, internship participants truly learn directly in companies or government institutions, are guided by mentors, gain real work experience, and receive allowances in accordance with the local minimum wage (UMK),” he explained.
On the same occasion, Minister of Manpower Yassierli said that in the first semester of 2026 there will be an additional minimum of 100,000 internship participants. He expressed hope that as the number of partner institutions increases, opportunities for university graduates to join the program will become even broader.
“This further reinforces the role of the internship program as a key instrument in preparing a competent and competitive workforce for the long term,” Yassierli said.
Meanwhile, the National Internship Program is designed to bridge the gap between university graduates and labor market demands. Participants will undergo a six-month internship and receive an allowance equivalent to the local minimum wage (UMK).
Through a structured and standardized internship scheme, participants are expected to gain hands-on work experience, develop a professional work ethic, and acquire direct insight into industrial culture.