Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The government will fully cover wages for participants in the National Internship Program, set at the level of each province’s minimum wage, Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto announced on Monday (22/9/2025).

“Companies don’t have to pay; the wages at provincial minimum levels will be borne by the government,” he said during a press conference, as reported by antaranews.com.

The program, part of the 2025 economic stimulus package, aims to bridge education with industry needs. It will run for six months in two phases, the first three months in late 2025 and the next three in early 2026. An initial budget of Rp 198 billion has been allocated to support 20,000 fresh graduates.

Minister of Manpwoer Yassierli added that both private companies and state-owned enterprises can participate, with firms required to submit placement plans and provide industry mentors. Technical regulations are being prepared under a ministerial decree.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)