Govt Launches 2026 National Internship Program, Targets 150,000 Graduates

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - For the second time, Indonesia's Ministry of Manpower has officially launched the 2026 National Internship Program (PMN) for university graduates. The initiative, introduced under President Prabowo Subianto, has what the government calls a "significantly broader" reach.

"One of the government's longstanding challenges has been ensuring that university graduates, especially those with bachelor's degrees, can secure employment and earn an income immediately after graduation," Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya said in a statement on Monday, June 29, 2026, as quoted by the Presidential Secretariat.

"To address this, President Prabowo, through Minister of Manpower Prof. Yassierli and his team, launched the National Internship Program in 2025. This year marks its second year," he added.

Under the program, university graduates can undertake a six-month internship at participating companies and receive a monthly allowance of approximately Rp3.5–6 million (about US$215–370), depending on the local minimum wage. Participants are also trained and mentored by experienced employees within their host companies to help strengthen their professional skills.

"This year, the program is not only recruiting bachelor's degree graduates, but also individuals from vocational professions and our brothers and sisters with disabilities," Teddy said.

In 2025, the National Internship Program involved 100,000 participants placed across companies throughout Indonesia. However, this year's edition targets 150,000 participants, which means 50% higher.

"This year, the number has increased to 150,000 participants, who will be placed at around 8,800 state-owned and private companies," he said.

Teddy noted that the program's first year produced encouraging results. Of the 100,000 participants who completed the internship, approximately 30%, or around 30,000 people, were hired as permanent employees by their host companies. Another 30% were awaiting job offers expected within two to three months.

"This means the program serves as a real bridge for graduates to transition directly into employment and begin earning an income," Teddy concluded.