Ministry of Tourism selects 269 participants for National Internship Programme
A total of 269 university graduates have been selected to join the second batch of the 2026 National Internship Programme at the Ministry of Tourism (Kemenpar), after competing against 1,499 applicants.
According to an official statement from Kemenpar received and confirmed on Saturday (22/8) in Jakarta, Acting Head of the Bureau of Human Resources and Organisation (SDMO) Antonio Wasono Imam Prakoso said the programme is one of the efforts to strengthen the competence and work experience of university graduates so they are better aligned with the needs of the labour market.
“University graduates still face significant challenges entering the workforce, so strengthening practical competence and real work experience is very important,” said Antonio.
He said the 269 participants will undergo a six-month internship across various work units within Kemenpar, ranging from the Ministry Secretariat, deputy offices, to the Authority Executive Agency.
The participants will receive mentoring and the opportunity to develop skills needed in the workplace, particularly in the tourism sector.
Antonio said the need for work experience is increasingly important given the national employment situation.
Based on data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS), there were approximately 7.24 million unemployed people in Indonesia in February 2026. Meanwhile, the Open Unemployment Rate (TPT) for graduates with Diploma IV, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees reached 6.13 percent.
According to him, this situation demonstrates the need to strengthen the connection between the competence of university graduates and the needs of the labour market.
In addition to work experience, programme participants will receive an allowance equivalent to the minimum wage and an official certificate recognised by industry.
Antonio encouraged participants to make the most of the internship period to build a portfolio, improve competence, and expand professional networks as preparation for entering the workforce.
“We hope the diversity of educational backgrounds, regions of origin, and universities among the participants can become a strength for mutual learning, exchanging ideas, and building collaboration,” he said.
Kemenpar also hopes the presence of interns can provide new perspectives and ideas in supporting the development of Indonesia’s tourism sector.
The National Internship Programme is implemented based on Minister of Manpower Regulation Number 9 of 2026 concerning the Second Amendment to Minister of Manpower Regulation Number 8 of 2025 on Guidelines for Providing Government Assistance for the University Graduate Internship Programme.