Labour Minister says National Internship 2026 stipend still paid by government

However, we want greater company involvement in the future, with more robust mentorship and evaluation mechanisms.

JAKARTA (ANTARA) – Minister of Manpower Yassierli stated that the stipend for participants in the 2026 National Internship programme will continue to be fully funded by the government, with no current contribution from partner companies.

‘Yes, there is no cost-sharing with partner companies yet. The stipend equals the local minimum wage, whether it’s the city/regency minimum wage (UMK) or provincial minimum wage (UMP),’ Minister Yassierli said during a press conference in Jakarta on Tuesday.

The minister previously confirmed that the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs and the Ministry of Finance have approved the budget and quota of 150,000 participants for the 2026 National Internship programme.

However, he noted that the ministry is still reviewing proposals for shared stipend contributions between the government and partner companies.

‘However, we aim for deeper company engagement, with more comprehensive mentorship and evaluation mechanisms in place,’ Minister Yassierli said.

The minister outlined the potential division of stipend payment responsibilities between the government and companies in late April.

‘Such commitments would be stronger if companies pledge their contributions from the outset and commit to issuing competency certificates upon programme completion,’ he added.

Meanwhile, Yassierli stated the government is preparing a timeline for recent university graduates interested in joining the 2026 National Internship programme.

The minister aims to launch the first phase of the 2026 National Internship programme in July.

‘Insha’Allah, we aim to launch the first batch of the 2026 National Internship programme in July with a target of 50,000 participants. We hope this brings good news for fresh graduates from the past year,’ Minister Yassierli said.