Labor Party Calls Indonesia's National Internship Program an Insult to Graduates

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Labor Party criticizes Indonesia's national internship program from the Ministry of Manpower. According to the President of the Labor Party, Said Iqbal, the program belittles workers who have completed their undergraduate education.

Said Iqbal believes that this internship program misses its target. The program is intended for recent graduates from both diploma and undergraduate programs. "This kind of internship is wrong. Feel free to call it an internship that degrades graduates," said Said Iqbal to reporters in Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Monday, October 13, 2025.

Iqbal suggested that the internship program should be limited to students or individuals who are currently pursuing their education. Those who have graduated, according to Said, should obtain permanent jobs.

Said emphasized that graduates have sacrificed both time and money to obtain their degrees. Therefore, he believes that the government and companies should appreciate their efforts. "Obtaining an undergraduate degree is not easy. Suddenly, after graduating, they are given strange policies," said the President of the Confederation of Indonesian Trade Unions (KSPI).

Minister of Manpower, Yasierli, previously stated that the national internship program could serve as a platform for companies to identify potential workers. "This is a good opportunity for companies to introduce themselves to job seekers," said Yassierli when met in Jakarta as quoted by Antara on Saturday, October 11, 2025.

Yassierli mentioned that equality is an important aspect of this program. This includes equality in both geographical and academic disciplines, as well as across industrial sectors. Varieties of job opportunities for interns are expected to accommodate participants from various academic programs.

Previously, the Ministry of Manpower extended the registration period for companies interested in participating in the 2025 National Internship Program until October 15, 2025, due to high interest from the business world. Head of the Public Relations Bureau of the Ministry of Manpower, Sunardi Manampiar Sinaga, stated that as of October 12, 2025, there were 1,112 registered companies. The list of participating companies can be accessed through the Maganghub.kemnaker.go.id website.

The government stated that the 2025 National Internship Program aims to provide recent graduates with the opportunity to gain work experience for six months. Interns will receive a wage equivalent to the Regional Minimum Wage (UMP).

Nandito Putra and Alif Ilham Fajriadi contributed to the writing of this article

Editor's Choice: Indonesian Labor Group Urges Workers' Rights Protection in National Internship Program

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News