Jakarta – The government continues to strengthen its strategy to improve the quality of human resources and accelerate workforce absorption through the implementation of the 2026 National Internship Program (PMN). This year, the government is increasing the program’s scope to 150,000 participants, which will be implemented in three batches throughout the year as part of an effort to expand job opportunities for new graduates and accelerate the transition to the industrial world.
The 2026 National Internship Program is a continuation of the previous year’s program, which saw high participation from the public and the business world. The government considers the need for work experience and improved practical competency to be key challenges that need to be addressed through a more structured program oriented to industry needs.
The Ministry of Manpower is preparing a phased implementation scheme through three batches, each targeting approximately 50,000 participants. This program is designed to provide participants with hands-on work experience at partner companies while strengthening the technical and professional competencies required by the current job market.
Minister of Manpower Yassierli stated that the increase in the participant quota was based on the President’s directive and the high public demand for broader access to work experience.
“For 2026, we have prepared a National Internship Program for 150,000 participants. This is an increase from the previous year and is part of our efforts to accelerate the readiness of the Indonesian workforce,” said Yassierli.
The government emphasized that this program aims not only to provide work experience but also to build a talent development ecosystem more closely aligned with the needs of the national industry. Participants will be placed for six months at partner companies, accompanied by mentors, and receive income support in accordance with applicable regulations at their placement locations.
Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya stated that the initiative stems from the government’s commitment to enabling university graduates to enter the job market more quickly and gain professional experience early on.
“One of the government’s major tasks is ensuring that college graduates don’t have to wait too long to find jobs and develop their skills,” Teddy said.
The 2026 PMN program has also been expanded to include thousands of partner companies from various sectors, both private and national. The government is also creating more inclusive participation opportunities for professional graduates and people with disabilities to ensure the program’s benefits are more evenly distributed.
University of Indonesia labor observer Fithra Faisal Hastiadi believes that strengthening internship programs is an important step in narrowing the gap between education and industry needs.
“Structured internships can help improve job readiness and accelerate graduates’ adaptation to labor market dynamics,” he said.
The government is optimistic that the 2026 National Internship Program will be an important instrument in increasing the competitiveness of the Indonesian workforce.