Yassierli said labor market currently demands more than just academic knowledge, noting work experience, work culture understanding, and adapting to a professional environment ability are also needed.
"The future of competition in job market will be increasingly challenging. Therefore, the National Internship programme provides a platform for continuously improving skills and self-preparation," he said.
Yassierli explained the National Internship programme does not only provide experience for the workers, but also they can learn about governance, productivity, and work culture in a professional environment.
Related news: Indonesia expands internship opportunities in Japan's Miyazaki
The participants are also encouraged to actively explore experiences while participating in the program, he added.
In addition, the participants of the programme could gain increased technical and non-technical competencies, including communication, discipline, and professionalism needed in the professional world.
The Ministry also provides competency certification facilities for interns as an added value when they are entering the labor market. During the programme, there are also around 15 to 30 certification workshops that can be chosen according to each participant's field.
"Please take advantage of this competency certification as a bonus at the end of the program. Choose one of the most relevant course to your working field during your internship," Yassierli said.
Related news: Manpower Ministry transforms training centers into business incubators
He also emphasized his ministry will continue to evaluate and refine the National Internship programme to make it more relevant for the needs of the workforce and industry.
Meanwhile, the Director General of Vocational Training and Productivity Development at the ministry, Darmawansyah, said the internship programme is a strategic measure done by the government to prepare competent and work-ready human resources.
Darmansyah said it also encourages the development of non-technical skills as provisions to face the increasingly competitive working life.
In the meantime, the departure of Phase II National Internship participants nationwide is planned to be carried out on May 26, 2026 by Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto.
Related news: Mapping the impact of Indonesia's National Internship program
Translator: Arnidhya Nur Zhafira, Katriana
Editor: Fransiska Ninditya
Copyright © ANTARA 2026
