Indonesia Launches Free Vocational Training Program for 70,000 Graduates
Jakarta – The Indonesian government is set to launch a nationwide vocational training program in 2026, offering free skills development to approximately 70,000 high school and vocational school graduates. The initiative aims to enhance employability and equip young Indonesians with essential perform skills, aligning with the nation’s vision for a highly skilled workforce by 2045.
Program Details
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, announced the National Vocational Training Program 2026, emphasizing its focus on cultivating both robust work competencies and crucial soft skills such as discipline, positive attitudes, and strong work ethics [Rancakmedia.com]. The program will be implemented across 33 Technical Implementation Units of Vocational and Productivity Training Centers (UPT BPVP) and Service Units (Satpel) of the Ministry of Manpower, spanning various provinces in Indonesia.
Key Benefits for Participants
- Free Training: All training activities are fully funded by the government [Kompas.id].
- Daily Allowance: Participants will receive a daily transportation allowance of Rp 20,000 [Kompas.id].
- Insurance Coverage: Work Accident Insurance (JKK) and Death Insurance (JKM) contributions will be provided.
- Certification: Participants will receive Training Certificates and BNSP Competency Certificates.
- Accommodation: Dormitory accommodation will be available for participants from outside the city for specific training modules.
Training Focus and Registration
The program prioritizes a “link and match” approach, ensuring the training curriculum is closely aligned with the needs of the business and industrial world [bobapalooza.com.ph]. This aims to produce graduates with competencies that directly address job market demands.
Eligible participants include graduates from SMA/SMK/MA or equivalent who meet the following criteria:
- Minimum age of 17 years.
- Possess a SiapKerja account.
- Graduated within the last three years.
Interested candidates can register and uncover more information on the official portal: skillhub.kemnaker.go.id.
Fields of Training
The program offers a diverse range of training fields, including:
- Information and Communication Technology
- Business and Management
- Tourism
- Fashion
- Garments and Apparel
- Automotive
- Housekeeping
- Electrical Engineering
- Smart Farming
- Construction
- Barista
- Aquaculture
- Hair and Make-up Stylist
- Cooking
- Sewing Clothes
- Vehicle Maintenance
- Tour Guide
- Digital Marketing
- Cyber Security
- Solar Panel Installation
- Welding
- Computer Numerical Control (CNC)
- Industrial Automation
- Electric Vehicles
- Red and White Cooperative training
- Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) training
National Workforce Contribution
According to data from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, approximately 3.28 million students graduated from SMA/SMK for the 2024/2025 academic year. Statistics from BPS indicate that high school graduates comprise 31.05 million workers (20.99% of the total national workforce of around 148 million), while vocational school graduates contribute 20.80 million workers (14% of the total). Combined, SMA/SMK graduates represent around 35% of the total Indonesian workforce.