Youth Pledge Day : Government Accelerates National Internship Program to Improve the Competence of Indonesia’s Young Workforce
Jakarta, The National Internship Program is part of the 8+4+5 2025 Economic Package launched by the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs under the direction of President Prabowo Subianto. This program targets Diploma (D1-D4) and Bachelor’s (S1) graduates who have graduated within the last year.
The Ministry of Manpower (Kemnaker) has identified approximately 1,500 successful participants in the National Internship Program Batch I, Wave 2, 2025. This determination marks the restart of a large-scale apprenticeship program targeted to reach a total of 100,000 participants throughout 2025.
Minister of Manpower, Yassierli, stated that the government is accelerating the implementation of the National Internship Program as part of a broader strategy to improve the quality of Indonesia’s young workforce.
“This program is a continuation of the first wave, which began on Monday, October 20, 2025, with 20,000 participants. The selection and determination of those who pass will be carried out directly by the companies receiving the internships,” he said.
Yassierli added that this program is part of the government’s economic stimulus program. The program has three goals: providing worker experience, providing exposure to the world of work, and improving competency.
“To increase the participant quota, the government will also expand access to internships not only in companies, but also in ministries and government agencies across Indonesia,” he explained.
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto echoed this sentiment, hoping that this national internship program will bridge the gap between education and the world of work. Specifically, the gap between the supply of college graduates and the demand for labor.
“Through this program, the government is striving to bridge the gap between 8 to 10 percent of college graduates to prepare them for the workforce,” Airlangga said in Jakarta on Monday (October 20).
Meanwhile, the Head of the West Sulawesi Provincial Manpower Office, Andi Farid Amri, stated that this program offers significant benefits to the region and not only provides opportunities for bachelor’s and diploma graduates to gain work experience, but also serves as a strategic step in preparing a competent, productive, and competitive young workforce.
“This program is designed to provide hands-on experience in a professional environment. For new graduates, this momentum often serves as the first step toward a more secure and competitive career in the job market,” said Andi.
The National Internship Program is not just a practical work program, but rather a major learning movement that connects education, industry, and the community. With a collaborative and inclusive ecosystem, this program is expected to produce a generation of professionals who are ready to work and possess integrity. [*]
