By: Anggina Kartika Sari*
The national industry has expressed high optimism in welcoming the National Internship Program as one of the government’s strategic breakthroughs to prepare a pool of quality talent ready to compete globally. This program is seen as a concrete step in addressing the business world’s need for a competent, adaptable young workforce with a direct understanding of industry dynamics. Amidst the accelerating economic and technological transformation, the National Internship Program serves as an effective bridge between education and the workplace.
The government, through the Ministry of Manpower, has consistently prioritized human resource development. Minister of Manpower Yassierli emphasized that the active involvement of the business sector in the National Internship Program is key to the success of the agenda to improve the quality of Indonesia’s workforce. Through this program, industry not only gains access to potential young talent but also plays a direct role in shaping the character, work ethic, and professional competency of the nation’s next generation.
For industry, the National Internship Program offers tangible strategic benefits. Companies can contribute to the development of university graduates to align them with the real needs of the business and industrial sectors. The internship process enables knowledge transfer, technical skills strengthening, and the development of professional work attitudes from an early age. This makes university graduates better prepared to enter the workforce and able to make productive contributions from the outset.
The success of the National Internship Program is reflected in the number of participants exceeding the target. The realization of more than 102,000 participants from hundreds of thousands of applicants in the initial batches demonstrates the high level of public and industry confidence in the program. This achievement is a strong indicator that the policy is designed to meet the needs of the younger generation and job market demands. The program’s continuation into 2026 also serves as a positive signal to the business community that the government is committed to maintaining the continuity of developing superior human resources.
Support for the National Internship Program also came from parliament. Netty Prasetiyani, a member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), viewed the program as a progressive step that provides a real-world learning environment for recent graduates. She stated that the national internship program not only equips participants with practical skills but also opens up significant opportunities for young people to find decent employment. The program is considered a crucial tool in accelerating employment and strengthening the competitiveness of the national workforce.
From a macroeconomic perspective, the National Internship Program plays a crucial role in maintaining the momentum of national economic growth. Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs Spokesperson Haryo Limanseto explained that the program’s sustainability is an integral part of the government’s Economic Package. Strengthening workforce quality through national internships is believed to strengthen industrial productivity, encourage investment, and enhance Indonesia’s economic competitiveness amidst global competition.
The National Internship Program is also aligned with various other supporting policies aimed at protecting workers’ purchasing power and strengthening the resilience of the employment sector. The integration of national internships, fiscal incentives, social security protection, and labor-intensive programs reflects a comprehensive and sustainable policy approach. The industry views this policy synergy as a strong foundation for creating a healthy and inclusive business climate.
Furthermore, industry involvement in the National Internship Program strengthens the business sector’s image as a strategic partner for the government in national development. Participating companies not only fulfill economic functions but also play a social role in producing a generation of superior, competitive, and highly integrated workers. This emphasizes that industrial growth and human resource development can go hand in hand and reinforce each other.
Going forward, industry enthusiasm for the National Internship Program is expected to continue to grow along with the expansion of quotas and program reach. With a measurable system and consistent policy support, this program is believed to be a key pillar in developing the superior talent needed by future industries. Close collaboration between the government, the business world, and educational institutions will be key to realizing a productive and sustainable employment ecosystem.
Ultimately, the National Internship Program should be viewed not merely as an employment program, but as a strategic investment for the nation. Industries that embrace and support this program are truly laying the foundation for a more advanced, sovereign, and prosperous future for Indonesia, with quality human resources as its core strength.
*The author is an Economics and Employment Journalist