Manpower Minister Outlines Strategy to Protect Digital Workers and Boost Competency

The Indonesian Ministry of Manpower successfully implemented the 2025 National Internship Programme, which saw approximately 100,000 participants, and is set to expand the quota to 150,000 participants for 2026.

Minister of Manpower Yassierli stated that this National Internship Programme is part of the economic stimulus package under President Prabowo’s administration. The initiative aims to stimulate the economy while equipping university graduates with the necessary skills to compete in the labour market.

Through this internship hub, the Ministry of Manpower observes that these six-month programmes address challenges regarding the productivity and competitiveness of the Indonesian workforce, noting that 60% of interns received job offers at their internship locations.

As part of this national programme, the Ministry is supporting educational institutions in promoting skills and certifications for prospective workers to address skill mismatches and meet the demands of the professional world.

On the other hand, the Ministry continues to recognise challenges in the job market resulting from global economic volatility. Consequently, the Ministry is actively encouraging the competency of prospective workers to meet the needs of the business sector. The Ministry is also collaborating with higher education institutions to establish career centres to provide students with insights into the professional world.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Manwork highlighted that digital platform workers in the informal sector face challenges regarding social security regulations. Therefore, the government is intervening to provide protection by enrolling digital sector workers in work accident and death benefit programmes. The government is also encouraging skill enhancement and the development of wage structures, as well as access to housing and transport services.