Government Disburses Rp6.26 Trillion for 2026 National Internship Programme

The government has allocated a budget of Rp6.26 trillion for this year’s National Internship Programme and vocational training for vocational high school (SMK) graduates and workers affected by layoffs (PHK). “As part of the second-quarter and second-semester 2026 economic stimulus package, the government has allocated a budget of Rp6.26 trillion,” said Kurnia Ramadhana, Acting Deputy for Partnership and Media Relations at the Presidential Communication Office (Bakom RI), during a press conference on Wednesday, 24 June 2026. The budget breakdown includes Rp4.14 trillion for the National Internship Programme for 150,000 participants and Rp2.12 trillion for vocational training prioritised for 220,000 SMK graduates and 50,000 workers affected by layoffs. He explained that the Rp4.14 trillion budget will be used to finance allowances for 150,000 interns over a six-month period. The allowance amount will be adjusted according to the minimum wage in each respective region. The budget will also be used for competency certification, training costs and mentor assistance at internship placements, as well as operational support for implementation through the Ministry of Manpower’s Maganghub digital ecosystem. Kurnia explained that the government is also open to the possibility of a cost-sharing scheme with partner companies, where part of the intern’s salary would also be borne by the company. “With certain possible formulations that are currently still under discussion,” he said. This year’s National Internship Programme will commence in July 2026, targeting approximately 50,000 participants in the first wave. The implementation will be divided into several stages until the target of 150,000 participants is reached.