The Government Launches a National Internship Program to Prepare Superior and Competent Human Resources
By: Mayang Dwi Andaru )*
The government’s internship program is a concrete strategy for preparing a competent workforce and opening career paths for the younger generation. With various initiatives undertaken by both the central and regional governments, this program is not simply a routine job placement program, but a serious step toward developing the quality of human resources ready to compete, both domestically and globally.
The government will open registration for the fresh graduate internship program on October 15, 2025. This program is designed through the Ministry of Manpower’s SIAPkerja platform to make it easily accessible to those seeking first-time work experience. Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto stated that all supporting features for the platform have been prepared in collaboration with Minister of Manpower Yassierli. Once the technical discussions are complete, the platform will be ready for full use to broaden opportunities for graduates.
Airlangga emphasized that the program is targeted to launch on time in mid-October. Prior to that, the government is coordinating with the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Indonesian Employers’ Association, and state-owned enterprises. The goal is to record the availability of internship quotas to be offered during the first phase of registration. This process requires each company to submit information on their intern needs, available positions, and the required number. This data is then entered into the SIAPkerja system for transparent access by intern seekers.
The government wants to ensure that companies are properly listing their needs, so that graduates can immediately see available opportunities and apply by October 15th. This process also encourages companies to be more proactive in providing learning opportunities for young workers. For the government, the success of internship programs is measured not only by the number of registered participants but also by the companies’ commitment to providing positions relevant to the participants’ competency development.
Minister of Manpower Yassierli stated that companies with a Business Identification Number (NIK) and registered with the Mandatory Employment Reporting System are required to upload internship applications from October 1 to 7, 2025. Furthermore, companies must provide mentors to accompany participants during their internships. The positions offered are expected to develop participants’ skills. The government even promises internship certificates for participants who complete the program, allowing their experience to be officially recognized in the workplace.
The commitment to preparing a competent workforce comes not only from the central government but also from local governments. West Bandung Regency, through the Manpower Office, is taking concrete steps to prepare young people to compete internationally. Taking place at the Balai Gempungan Ballroom, 71 prospective participants participated in the selection process for an internship program to Japan. This activity is part of the region’s strategy to open access to social mobility and develop global competencies.
The selection process began with online registration through the West Bandung Regency Manpower Office’s Instagram account. Of the 247 applicants, only those who passed the initial selection were eligible for further testing, which included physical, psychological, and administrative qualifications. Dewi Andani, Head of the Placement and Expansion of Employment Opportunities Division at the West Bandung Regency Manpower Office, emphasized that this program is not just about producing workers, but also about developing a young generation capable of competing internationally.
A striking difference between this program and regular training is the full support from the West Bandung Regency Regional Budget. Each participant who successfully passes the selection process receives three months of intensive training at the Vocational Training Institute, costing up to ten million rupiah per person, entirely covered by the government. This funding includes Japanese language training, understanding work culture, and accommodation during the training. For the local government, this is a long-term investment in improving the quality of human resources.
This program is open to young people aged 18 to 31 with at least a high school or vocational high school education. The goal is clear: to open opportunities to change their lives through hard work and training, even to the point of going abroad. The West Bandung Regency Manpower Office is targeting 16 participants to travel to Japan this year, following the 30 who departed in previous years. They will be placed in various sectors, from agriculture and elderly care to industry, according to the needs of companies in Japan.
Dewi Andani added that the local government has not set a departure quota. As long as participants meet the requirements and pass the company’s selection process in Japan, the government is ready to facilitate their participation. To support participant readiness, the government is collaborating with the Hikari Vocational Training Institute, an official institution that has signed a memorandum of understanding with the West Bandung Regency Government. This institution has experience in sending workers to Japan and has a proven training system.
From the central government to the regional governments, it’s clear that internship programs are now a crucial tool in human resource development. Internship programs are no longer mere talk or formality, but rather a long-term investment in developing a skilled workforce. Opportunities like this should not be wasted. For college graduates and young people of working age, internships are a gateway to gaining experience, skills, and expanding networks.
The government has provided the platform, and companies have opened quotas. Now it’s up to young job seekers to take advantage of these opportunities. Because behind every internship opportunity lies the potential for the development of competent workers capable of taking this nation to greater heights on the global stage.
)* The author is a contributor to the Sadawira Institute
