Jakarta, Sept. 22 -- The Indonesian government will bear the wages of participants in the upcoming national internship program, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto announced on Monday.

He emphasized that salaries will be fully funded by the State Budget (APBN), relieving companies of any payment responsibility.

"Companies do not pay for the incentive; it will be covered by the government," Hartarto said at a press conference.

The program, part of the 2025 economic stimulus package, aims to align the education sector with industry needs through a "link and match" approach. It will run for six months - three months in 2025 and three months in 2026 - with a possible extension following evaluation.

The government...