Young Talent Interest in BRIN’s National Internship Program Rises by 23 Percent, Strengthening the Research and Innovation Ecosystem
Interest among university graduates in the National Internship Program at Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) continues to grow. In the second batch of 2026, the number of applicants reached 2,620, representing a 23 percent increase from the 2,134 applicants recorded in the first batch, with 218 participants selected to join the program. Organized through cooperation between BRIN and Indonesia’s Ministry of Manpower, the program not only provides practical work experience but is also designed to introduce young talent to the research and innovation ecosystem, research culture, professional working environment, and organizational governance based on science and innovation. To enhance participant engagement and creativity, BRIN will also organize an internal competition titled the Internship Challenge, while encouraging participants to remain proactive, disciplined, and committed to professional ethics throughout the internship.
BRIN Chairman Arif Satria emphasized that investment in human capital and research is a fundamental driver of innovation, technological advancement, and national economic growth. Referring to endogenous growth theory, BRIN highlighted the relationship between education quality, innovation capacity, and a country’s per capita income. The development of advanced technologies requires a strong research ecosystem supported by high-quality talent, adequate funding, clear research roadmaps, and a conducive environment for innovation. Internship participants are therefore regarded as an important component in strengthening this ecosystem and are expected not only to develop expertise within their respective work units but also to gain a comprehensive understanding of the broader research and innovation system. The program also serves as one of BRIN’s initiatives to cultivate a future generation of research and innovation talent capable of strengthening Indonesia’s scientific capacity and national competitiveness.
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