Indonesia Explores Expansion of National Internship Program to Vocational Graduates

Enhanced Opportunities for Vocational Students

Indonesia's Ministry of Manpower is considering a significant expansion of its national internship program to include vocational high school (SMK) graduates. Currently, the program is limited to diploma and degree holders. The proposal, initiated by Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, received positive feedback from Manpower Minister Yassierli during a recent meeting at Grha BNI in Jakarta.

Program Mechanics and Future Plans

The national internship program operates on an on-demand basis, where companies upload their specific staffing needs and subsequently select interns through a competitive process. Yassierli emphasized that this approach ensures alignment between the interns' skills and the companies' requirements. The Ministry is currently conducting its third batch of the program and plans to evaluate its effectiveness in collaboration with the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs.

Key Considerations and Implementation

While expressing support for the expansion, Yassierli highlighted the need for a special task force to oversee the implementation of including SMK graduates in the program. The Ministry aims to continue evaluating the program's impact and adapt its policies accordingly. This potential expansion represents a significant shift in the government's approach to vocational education and employment opportunities.

Economic and Educational Impact

The proposed inclusion of SMK graduates in the national internship program could have substantial implications for Indonesia's vocational education system and labor market. By providing paid internships at provincial minimum wage levels, the program aims to bridge the gap between vocational education and industry needs. This move aligns with broader efforts to enhance the employability of vocational graduates and address skill mismatches in the labor market.