Manpower Minister Vows Strict Oversight of Internship Programme, Rejects Clerical Roles

Minister of Manpower Yassierli has confirmed the government will strictly supervise the implementation of the 2026 National Internship Programme. In addition to increasing the participant quota to 150,000, the government will also screen internship positions offered by companies to ensure they are not merely administrative roles misaligned with the competencies of university graduates.

Yassierli stated that the programme’s quota has been increased from 100,000 participants last year. He noted that enthusiasm from both companies and graduates continues to grow. The programme is scheduled to commence on 10 August, with the company registration phase currently underway during the first two weeks of July. Applicants will be able to select vacancies from 15 to 28 July before the company selection process begins.

The government is also limiting the number of interns per company to a maximum of 20 per cent of the organic workforce to prevent the programme from being misused as a substitute for permanent employees. Yassierli emphasised that positions such as receptionist would be rejected, as the programme is designed for university graduates with analytical thinking skills. Companies must register with detailed job descriptions, and the ministry will screen positions to ensure they lead to relevant competency certifications.

To ensure equitable distribution, the Ministry of Manpower is collaborating with regional manpower offices to encourage companies outside Jakarta to participate. Yassierli expressed optimism that the number of participating companies will increase this year, following the participation of approximately 8,000 companies and institutions in the programme’s inaugural year.