Government Prepares Vocational Training for 50,000 Layoff Victims in Second Half of 2026

The government is preparing a national vocational training programme for 50,000 victims of layoffs as part of an economic stimulus package for the second half of 2026. In addition to layoff victims, the programme also targets 220,000 participants from among high school and vocational school graduates.

Minister of Manpower Yassierli stated that the government is committed to preparing the programme as thoroughly as possible. This step is being taken to strengthen workforce competitiveness amid national economic dynamics.

"Of course, the steps we have taken and are currently taking are to prepare the programme as best we can," Yassierli said during a press conference in Jakarta on Monday (22/6).

In addition to vocational training, the government is continuing the second batch of the National Internship Programme (MagangHub) for 2026. The target for internship participants reaches 150,000 people throughout this year, with implementation scheduled to begin in July 2026.

Specifically for the internship and vocational programmes, the government has prepared a budget of approximately Rp6.26 trillion for the second half of 2026. These funds are part of the total economic stimulus for the second half of this year, which amounts to Rp26.34 trillion.

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto detailed that the total stimulus includes transport incentives of Rp2.04 trillion, an internship and vocational budget of Rp6.26 trillion, and food assistance worth Rp18.04 trillion.

"So the total stimulus issued by the government for this second semester is valued at around Rp26.34 trillion. The internship and vocational programmes are expected to become an economic driver within the community," said Airlangga.

In this second batch, the government will make improvements, including the integration of competency certification from the National Professional Certification Board (BNSP). Internship participants will also receive an allowance equivalent to the minimum wage as well as employment social security protection (work accident insurance and death insurance).

For context, the 2025 National Internship Programme was previously attended by 102,600 participants, involving 8,048 companies and government agencies across Indonesia.