Labour Minister: 2026 National Internship Allowance to Match Minimum Wage, Fully Funded by Government

Labour Minister Yassierli confirmed that the allowance for participants in the 2026 National Internship Programme will be fully covered by the government. Currently, the funding scheme does not involve contributions or budget sharing from partner companies.

The minister explained that the allowance amount will align with the local minimum wage standards at each internship location, whether the City/Municipality Minimum Wage (UMK) or Provincial Minimum Wage (UMP).

The government aims to launch the first phase of the second batch of the 2026 National Internship Programme in July 2026, with an initial quota of 50,000 participants.

‘Insya Allah, we aim to start the first phase of the second batch in July 2026 with a target of 50,000 people. We hope this brings good news for fresh graduates from the past year,’ Yassierli stated during a press conference in Jakarta on Tuesday (26 May).

Although the government currently bears the full cost of allowances, the minister revealed that they are reviewing proposals for future contributions from partner companies to enhance programme commitment and quality.

The government encourages companies to not only serve as internship sites but also to actively participate in mentorship and evaluation mechanisms. Companies are also expected to issue competency certificates to participants upon completion of the programme as proof of job readiness.

The Ministry of Labour is currently finalising the registration timeline to enable university graduates to prepare for this strategic programme. (Ant/I-1)

The ministry is also ensuring the most appropriate competency and certification schemes for Red and White Village Cooperatives administrators.

A total of 80,000 Red and White Village Cooperatives will be established across various regions in Indonesia.