Jakarta – The government has officially prepared a new economic stimulus in the form of a paid internship program for 20,000 university graduates across Indonesia. This program is designed to help new graduates enter the workforce more quickly while also maintaining the purchasing power of young people amidst global economic challenges.
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, said that this internship program is part of the 2025 economic stimulus package. He explained that each intern will receive an allowance equivalent to the Provincial Minimum Wage (UMP), averaging around IDR 3.3 million per month, for the six-month program period.
“This program is expected to begin in the fourth quarter. The first phase will benefit 20,000 people, with an allowance equivalent to the minimum wage (UMP) for six months. The budget has been prepared,” he said.
Airlangga also added that the Ministry of Research, Technology, and Higher Education is currently finalizing the program’s implementation. Eligible participants must have graduated within the last year to ensure targeted benefits.
“We want this program to really target fresh graduates. That way, they can immediately gain real work experience and more easily enter the labor market,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Anindya Bakrie, Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), expressed his full support for the program. He believes the government initiative not only helps new graduates adapt quickly but also supports increased company productivity.
“This program can create jobs. Interns will become experts earlier, especially among the highly motivated millennials and Generation Z,” he said.
Anindya also emphasized that collaboration between the government, business, and education is key to the success of this internship program. With support from the private sector, interns receive not only adequate compensation but also relevant experience tailored to industry needs.
“This is expected to strengthen the competitiveness of Indonesia’s young workforce amidst global competition, as well as provide benefits for participants, while simultaneously driving national economic growth,” he concluded.
This internship program, which pays a salary equivalent to the minimum wage, aligns with the government’s strategy to maintain domestic economic stability, expand employment opportunities, and develop superior human resources. With the number of new graduates growing annually, this program is considered a solution to narrow the gap between education and job market needs.
