Ade Suherman: Internship Should Not Be Cheap Labor Under the Cover of Training

JAKARTA - Member of the DKI Jakarta Provincial DPRD from the PKS Faction and member of Commission B, Ade Suherman, appreciates the steps of the Ministry of Manpower of the Republic of Indonesia which increases the target of the National Internship Program in 2026 to around 150 thousand participants.

According to Ade, this policy is a strategic step for the government in opening up job opportunities while improving the quality of human resources, especially for new graduates and the younger generation who are facing an increasingly competitive labor market.

"Internship programs must be a way for young people to enter the workforce, gain experience, and improve their competencies in a tangible way," said Ade Suherman.

As a member of Commission B of the DKI Jakarta DPRD which deals with the economic and employment sectors, Ade assessed that the biggest challenge at this time is not only about the availability of job vacancies, but also the gap between the skills of graduates and industry needs.

Therefore, he encouraged that the internship program really be part of the link and match system between the world of education, job training, and the real needs of the business world.

"The industrial world needs ready-to-use, adaptive, and experienced workers. The internship program must be able to bridge this need," he said.

Ade assessed that the increase in the quota for the internship program was a positive signal that the government was starting to seriously strengthen the transition phase of young graduates into the professional workforce.

However, he reminded that the implementation of the program must prioritize the protection and welfare of participants.

"Internships should not just be cheap labor disguised as training. Participants must receive guidance, assistance, and the right to work during the program," he said.

Ade also welcomed the scheme of providing incentives for internship participants which are adjusted to the provisions of the program and the conditions of the placement area.

According to him, incentive support is very important so that participants can optimally participate in the program, especially in big cities like Jakarta which have relatively high living costs.

In addition, he hopes that the internship program will be expanded to potential sectors such as creative economy, digital technology, logistics, manufacturing, and MSMEs that continue to grow in Jakarta.

Ade also asked the government to strengthen the monitoring and evaluation system after the program, including monitoring the level of absorption of participants into the workforce after the internship period is completed.

"The success of the program is not measured by the number of participants, but how many of them are absorbed into the workforce or are able to develop into new professional and entrepreneurial forces," he said.

Based on national employment data, youth unemployment is still a challenge in various major cities, including Jakarta. Therefore, Ade assessed that strengthening internship programs, job training, and competency certification must continue to be a priority for government policy.

"Jakarta is heading towards a global city that needs a competent, productive, and ready to compete generation. Our biggest investment today is preparing superior human resources for the future," concluded Ade Suherman.