Do you want to acquire hands-on experience, gain new professional skills and expand your international network for your future career? Internships in Indonesia are a great way to integrate and stay ahead of the trends in the professional world while experiencing an incredible culture and a completely different way of life!
What internships in Indonesia look like
By completing an internship in Indonesia, you'll have the opportunity to develop and experience one of the many corporate cultural backgrounds. A successful internship combines the needs of a company with your personal skills so that both parties can benefit from the experience. There are several internship programs in Indonesia that can meet your expectations.
Many international hotel chains offer programs where you can develop your skills in becoming a hotelier, understand the hospitality industry, and become familiar with the culture and management philosophy of a specific hotel.
Internships cover a wide scope of professional sectors and vary in length according to the company, the sector, and the specific project requirements. Many businesses offer certain benefits and assist candidates in obtaining the appropriate immigration documents. Some internships also offer stipends, meals, or accommodations. In any case, it is best to travel to Indonesia with sufficient personal funds for the duration of your internship.
Most companies in Indonesia will only accept undergraduate or graduate students with a strong academic background, good communication skills, and strong written and spoken English skills. The nature of an internship program often requires interns to be flexible and able to take on multifaceted roles.
Visas to do an internship in Indonesia
Interns should ensure they hold a visa that explicitly permits internship activities. Internship activity is generally not permitted on visa-free entry or Visa on Arrival categories, and your visa should match the activity you will carry out in Indonesia.
In many cases, internships are handled through Indonesia's current C-index visa categories, including internship-specific options such as C22 / C22A / C22B, depending on the nature of the program (for example, academic internship requirements or competency development at a company). Applications are now commonly processed through Indonesia's official online eVisa system, and the host organization in Indonesia typically acts as sponsor/guarantor where required.
According to official eVisa information, internship-related visas for Indonesia may be available in options such as:
- Up to 60 days (extendable).
- Up to 180 days (extendable), with published government fees depending on the length of stay.
Visa requirements and fees may vary depending on nationality and the specific visa index used, so it is essential to check the latest requirements before applying. It is also advisable to start the application process well in advance of when you enter Indonesia for the start date of your internship.
Supporting documents can vary depending on the visa category and sponsor, but commonly include:
- A passport meeting Indonesia's minimum validity requirements.
- A passport-style photograph.
- Proof of onward/return travel (where required).
- An internship agreement or placement letter (from your university and/or host company, depending on the program).
- A sponsorship/guarantee letter from the host organization in Indonesia.
- Additional sponsor documents, where required by the visa category.
Once approved, follow the entry and stay conditions exactly. If your internship is longer than your initial permitted stay, you can apply for an extension through the local immigration office. Important: extensions may involve online submission followed by an in-person visit, including photo capture and an interview, in line with current immigration procedures.
Finding an internship in Indonesia
Many international companies, such as Accenture and Deloitte, offer internship programs in Indonesia for undergraduate students. It is therefore advisable to check the websites of the companies you wish to work for and subscribe to their newsletters. The same applies when seeking an internship in the hotel industry. Major hotels, such as Anantara, Four Seasons and Hyatt, usually post internship opportunities on their websites.
Independent agencies, such as Internship Indonesia, provide internship programs. When you apply for an internship through them, you can often find accommodation in Indonesia and receive support with practical arrangements. Some agencies also assist with immigration steps and extensions once you are in Indonesia.
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