Manpower Minister Outlines Strategy to Protect Digital Workers and Boost Competency

The Indonesian Ministry of Manpower has successfully implemented the 2025 National Internship Programme, which involved around 100,000 participants, and is set to continue in 2026 with an increased quota of 150,000 participants. Manpower Minister Yassierli stated that the national internship programme is part of President Prabowo’s government economic stimulus package, designed to stimulate the economy while equipping university graduates with the skills to compete in the job market. Through this internship hub programme, the ministry observed that the six-month placements address challenges related to Indonesian workforce productivity and competitiveness, with 60% of participants receiving job offers at their placement sites. In this national internship programme, the Ministry of Manpower supports educational institutions in promoting skills and certification for prospective workers to tackle the skills mismatch with industry needs. The ministry also continues to address employment pressures resulting from global economic turmoil by boosting the competencies of prospective workers to meet business sector demands. It is collaborating with universities to build career centres that provide students with insights into the world of work. Furthermore, the ministry highlighted the challenges faced by digital platform workers in the informal sector regarding social security arrangements. The government is therefore providing protection by enrolling digital sector workers in work accident and death insurance programmes, while also promoting skill enhancement, the formulation of wage scale structures, and housing and transport services.