Cabinet Secretary Teddy Announces National Internship Programme to Include Disabled Participants, Observers Call It an Inclusive Breakthrough

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya has announced the official launch of the 2026 National Internship Programme (PMN), which aims to involve 150,000 participants. Unlike previous years, this programme, initiated by President Prabowo Subently, also opens opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in the internship scheme.

Political observer Igor Dirgantara assessed that the involvement of the disabled group in PMN 2026 is a progressive step demonstrating the government’s commitment to providing more inclusive employment opportunities. “This programme can be described as one of the most progressive breakthroughs in the Prabowo administration era in building inclusivity. Employment opportunities are not only provided to university graduates but also to the disabled community,” Igor stated on Wednesday, 1 July 2026.

According to Igor, the PMN is a concrete effort by the government to reduce the open unemployment rate while preparing a workforce that meets industrial needs. He noted that during the 2025 implementation, approximately 30 per cent of the 100,000 total participants, or about 30,000 people, were successfully recruited as permanent employees by the companies where they underwent their internships.

“This means the programme is capable of addressing the labour market’s need for ready-to-use manpower,” he added.

Furthermore, Igor believes the expanded scope of participants in PMN 2026 adds significant value, as it targets not only university graduates but also people with disabilities. He suggested that the programme’s benefits would increase even further if its implementation were expanded to reach regions outside of Java.

“President Prabowo is essentially addressing one of the main issues concerning the public, namely the creation of wider and more inclusive employment opportunities,” he said.

Previously, the government, through the Ministry of Manpower, officially launched the 2026 National Internship Programme. Entering its second year of implementation, the programme has been expanded with a target of 150,000 participants.

“(PMN participants) are trained and mentored by mentors or senior workers within their respective companies to enhance their skills. This year, we are not only recruiting Bachelor’s degree graduates but also individuals from various professions and our brothers and sisters with disabilities,” said Teddy.