National Internship Program deemed more effective for recruiting industry talent

Indonesia's National Internship Program has become a highly effective mechanism for businesses to recruit talent tailored to industrial needs, according to Minister of Manpower Yassierli. He stated that the program offers tangible benefits to companies in their human resource acquisition process.

"Based on input from company management, the National Internship Program provides real benefits. Companies have the opportunity to mentor, guide, and directly assess the competencies of potential workers before deciding to hire them," Yassierli said in a press release. He elaborated that on-the-job learning provides companies with a clearer and more comprehensive understanding of participants' skills and work readiness. This dual learning and evaluation process makes talent acquisition more efficient.

The program also offers fundamental advantages for job seekers, particularly recent university graduates lacking work experience. It provides them with practical exposure in the industrial sector, enabling them to hone their skills, build a strong work ethic, and significantly enhance their chances of securing full-time employment. Yassierli emphasized the program's role as a bridge connecting industry's demand for competent workers with Indonesia's young, developing talent pool.

To further strengthen the ecosystem, the Minister called for enhanced synergy between the government, the business sector, and educational institutions. This collaboration is deemed crucial for ensuring that internship alumni successfully transition into permanent employees, leading to increased productivity for companies and better job opportunities for graduates. Registration for the program opened from July 15 to July 28, 2026, with a quota of 50,000 participants for this period, aiming for a total of 150,000 slots by 2026. Interns will receive allowances based on provincial or district minimum wages.