USK Backs National Internship Programme to Curb Aceh's Rising Unemployment

Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK) Banda Aceh is fully supporting the Aceh Government’s efforts to lower unemployment through the 2026 National Internship Programme (PMN), known as Maganghub, initiated by the Indonesian Ministry of Manpower. Rector Prof Mirza Tabrani stated that the university’s support includes not only encouraging its young alumni to register but also registering the institution itself as an official host for internal internships. He issued a direct instruction to his staff to move quickly and map out internship formation needs within the campus. By becoming an official internship provider on the Maganghub platform, USK’s work units and laboratories can absorb new graduates whose competencies are relevant. The relevant directorate has also been ordered to accelerate massive socialisation so that young USK alumni can seize this golden opportunity. The rector noted that the swift action is warranted given the serious employment challenges in Aceh, particularly after hydrometeorological disasters such as floods and landslides that paralysed the production sector. With Aceh’s Open Unemployment Rate rising to 5.88 per cent as of February 2026, he emphasised that universities must play an active role as part of the regional solution. The Maganghub 2026 programme offers a highly competitive protection and compensation scheme for fresh graduates. Interns will receive a monthly allowance sourced directly from the state budget, set at the provincial or regency minimum wage standard. Aceh’s provincial minimum wage currently ranks sixth nationally at approximately Rp3.9 million. Participants are also guaranteed BPJS Employment protection and will receive an official competency certification from the National Professional Certification Agency upon completion. Aceh Manpower and Transmigration Office Head Akmil Husen expressed gratitude for USK’s rapid response and full support, stating that USK’s presence as a key partner is expected to help Aceh maximise the national quota of 150,000 participants opened by the ministry this year. The Aceh Government is targeting the absorption of up to 5,000 interns, supported by formation openings from the Chamber of Commerce, the Employers’ Association, state-owned enterprises, and regional-owned enterprises. USK and the Manpower Office are urging all work units and partner companies to meet the institutional registration deadline, which opened on 29 June and closes on 15 July 2026. Participant registration for fresh graduates will open from 15 to 28 July 2026, followed by a selection process from 29 July to 5 August 2026, with results announced on 7 August 2026. Internship placements are scheduled to begin simultaneously on 10 to 11 August 2026.