Analyst Says National Internship Programme Answers Public Needs
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Political observer Hendri Satrio (Hensa) believes that the 2026 National Internship Programme, announced by Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya and Minister of Manpower Yassierli, serves as an answer to one of the public’s most pressing needs.
“This programme is a good step because it addresses a current societal need, particularly for fresh graduates facing challenges when entering the workforce,” Hensa stated in Jakarta on Tuesday.
He noted that the Cabinet Secretary and the Minister of Manpower have communicated the details of the Internship Programme effectively. According to him, both officials conveyed the message that the government recognises the significant issue facing young people: graduating from university does not guarantee immediate employment.
“It is a good programme, it must be admitted. Cabinet Secretary Teddy communicated it quite well, as did Minister Yassierli. The message is clear that the government understands the major problem our youth face, which is graduating but not necessarily finding work immediately,” he said.
The founder of the KedaiKOPI Survey Institute added that the communication from the Cabinet Secretary and Yassierli was sufficiently clear, addressing matters the public wishes to know, ranging from the number of participants and internship mechanisms to opportunities for entering the workforce.
According to Hensa, such effective communication actually raises public expectations for the programme.
However, Hensa advised the government to ensure the sustainability of the national internship programme. He suggested that the government must also ensure there are job opportunities available for those who complete the programme.
He further recommended that the government strengthen the involvement of the industrial sector so that programme participants have access to practical work experience and career opportunities.
It is reported that the government has prepared a budget of Rp4.2 trillion for the 2026 National Internship Programme (MagangHub) second batch, which is set to begin its series in July.
Minister of Manpower Yassierli, during a press conference in Jakarta on Monday (29/6), announced that the quota for the first batch of the 2026 National Internship Programme is 50,000 people, with registration open from 15 to 28 July.
“Regarding participant registration, which is perhaps the most anticipated part, it will open from 15-28 July. So, there are still two weeks left for participants to prepare themselves,” said the Minister.
Cabinet Secretary Teddy believes the National Internship Programme (MagangHub) can enable university fresh graduates to be directly absorbed into the professional workforce.
“This programme also serves as a tangible bridge for students who have recently graduated to enter the workforce directly and begin earning an income,” said Teddy.
He noted that the government still faces a significant task in the labour sector, specifically in efforts to ensure the young workforce can enter the industrial sector promptly.
According to him, the National Internship Programme, which has been running since last year, is a directive from President Prabowo Subianto to address these challenges.