Which Public Relations Internship Jakarta to Apply?

The best PR internship in Jakarta depends on your career goals, current skill level, and availability. Major PR agencies like BLACKSTONE, Imogen PR, and Ogilvy Indonesia offer comprehensive agency experience, while multinational corporations such as Philip Morris International, DBS Bank, and Deloitte provide structured programs with competitive compensation ranging from IDR 3-10 million monthly. Students should match their choice to whether they prioritize creative agency work, corporate communications, or specific industry exposure.

Understanding Your PR Internship Options in Jakarta

Jakarta’s PR internship landscape divides into four distinct categories, each offering different experiences and career trajectories. The city hosts over 385 active PR-related internship positions as of October 2025, spanning full-service agencies, in-house corporate teams, digital-first firms, and international organizations.

PR agencies give you exposure to multiple clients across industries. You’ll typically work on 3-5 different accounts simultaneously, learning media relations, press release writing, and event coordination. Agencies like BLACKSTONE Digital Agency accept students from any major with a minimum GPA of 3.0, requiring 3-6 months commitment. The learning curve is steep—you’re expected to contribute meaningfully within the first month.

Corporate PR departments operate differently. Companies like Kompas Gramedia and Sampoerna maintain dedicated communications teams focused on a single brand. The work tends toward long-term strategic planning rather than rapid campaign execution. These positions often require 7th or 8th semester students and prefer communications or journalism majors, though this isn’t absolute.

Digital PR firms represent Jakarta’s fastest-growing segment. These agencies blend traditional PR with influencer marketing, social media management, and content creation. Companies such as RedComm Indonesia emphasize data-driven communications and digital metrics. If you’re comfortable with analytics tools and social platforms, this path offers substantial skill development in areas increasingly valued by employers.

International organizations and embassies present a fourth option. The US Mission in Jakarta, UNFPA, and similar institutions offer internships emphasizing public affairs and policy communications. These typically require fluent English and sometimes additional language skills. Competition is fierce, but the experience adds significant weight to a CV, particularly for those targeting international careers or NGO work.

The 3P Selection Framework

Choosing the right internship requires systematic evaluation rather than application to every opening you encounter. The 3P Framework—Purpose, Practicality, and Progress—provides structure to this decision.

Purpose addresses what you want to learn. Different internships develop different skills. Agency work builds speed, versatility, and crisis management capabilities. You’ll write five press releases in a week, pitch to journalists daily, and manage multiple deadlines simultaneously. Corporate internships develop strategic thinking and stakeholder management. You’ll spend more time on planning, internal communications, and long-term brand building. Digital PR positions strengthen your analytical skills and platform expertise.

Be specific about your learning goals. “I want PR experience” is too vague. “I want to learn how to pitch business journalists and measure media coverage effectiveness” gives you clear criteria for evaluation. BLACKSTONE’s internship explicitly mentions exposure to “marketing intelligence, creative solutions, research and development,” making it suitable for students wanting broad strategic exposure. Meanwhile, a corporate communication role at Allianz Life Indonesia focuses on “corporate engagement and stakeholder management,” better suited for those interested in relationship-building aspects.

Practicality considers your real constraints. Most Jakarta internships require full-time commitment during business hours, eliminating options for students with remaining coursework. The city’s traffic means location matters significantly. An internship in South Jakarta while living in North Jakarta adds 3-4 hours to your daily commute. This exhaustion affects performance and learning capacity.

Financial practicality matters too. While top-tier programs from companies like Gojek offer IDR 12-17 million over six months, many smaller agencies provide minimal or no compensation. Calculate your actual costs: transportation (IDR 600,000-1,200,000 monthly if using ride-hailing services), meals (IDR 50,000-100,000 daily), and professional clothing. Unpaid internships become financially impossible for students without family support.

Language requirements present another practical barrier. Multinational companies like Philip Morris International explicitly require “fluent English both oral and written.” If your English skills are intermediate, applying there wastes time better spent on positions matching your current capabilities. Local agencies and Indonesian companies typically work primarily in Bahasa Indonesia, making them more accessible for students still developing English proficiency.

Progress evaluates how an internship advances your specific career trajectory. A student targeting agency work post-graduation should prioritize agency internships over corporate ones. Someone aiming for in-house communications at a tech company benefits more from interning at GoTo Group or TikTok Indonesia than at a traditional PR agency.

Consider the network you’ll build. Agencies connect you with journalists, event organizers, and creative professionals across industries. Corporate internships develop relationships within a specific company and industry vertical. For students certain about their preferred sector—healthcare, finance, technology, consumer goods—corporate internships in that sector provide more relevant connections.

The quality of mentorship varies widely. Large multinational programs like those at Deloitte or PwC offer structured training, regular feedback sessions, and dedicated supervisors. Smaller agencies might throw you into client work immediately with minimal guidance. Neither approach is inherently better; it depends on your learning style. Some students thrive with structure and clear milestones. Others prefer the sink-or-swim environment that forces rapid skill development.

Agency Internships: What to Expect

PR agencies in Jakarta range from boutique 5-person operations to full-service firms employing 50+ professionals. The internship experience differs substantially based on agency size and type.

Full-service agencies like Ogilvy Indonesia and Imogen PR handle everything from crisis management to event production. Interns rotate through different specializations or embed with specific account teams. You might spend three months supporting a beauty brand’s product launch, helping with media monitoring, drafting social media content, and coordinating with influencers. The work is deadline-driven and fast-paced. When a client needs a press release by 2 PM, you learn to write quickly under pressure.

These agencies typically seek final-year students who can commit to 3-6 months full-time. BLACKSTONE Digital Agency’s program accepts “current students and recent graduates interested in learning the inner workings of a digital strategy agency.” Their interns work across multiple departments—strategy, communications, and digital experience—providing broad exposure but less depth in any single area.

Boutique agencies specialize in specific industries or services. A firm focusing solely on tech startups offers deep expertise in that sector but narrow industry exposure. Consider whether specialization or breadth serves your goals better. Students certain about their industry preference benefit from specialized agencies. Those still exploring should choose generalist firms.

Compensation at agencies varies widely. Established names like Fortune PR and Kendilima may offer IDR 2-4 million monthly. Smaller boutique agencies often provide only transportation allowances or operate on unpaid internship models. The Indonesian government’s 2025 national internship program mandates minimum wage for participating companies, but not all agencies participate.

The application process for agencies emphasizes portfolios and writing samples. Even without prior professional experience, you can demonstrate capability through university projects, campus media work, or personal blogs. One hiring manager at a Jakarta agency noted they “look for students who’ve written anything—articles, social media campaigns, event proposals. We can teach PR strategy, but we can’t teach someone to write clearly.”

Corporate PR Internships: Inside Organizations

Corporate communications departments function differently from agencies. You’re promoting a single organization rather than managing multiple client brands. This creates different priorities and work rhythms.

Large conglomerates like Kompas Gramedia seek PR interns to “develop and maintain positive relationships with government officials and regulatory bodies, represent the company in meetings with government officials and agencies, and support government activities.” Their role emphasizes stakeholder relations and regulatory communications—skills particularly valuable in Indonesia’s relationship-driven business environment.

Multinational corporations operating in Jakarta often run structured internship programs with defined learning objectives. Sampoerna’s program accepts “undergraduate students, preferably in 7th or 8th semester with minimum GPA 3.00 out of 4.00 from any major, fluent in English both oral and written.” These programs typically include orientation weeks, assigned mentors, and project-based learning. DBS Bank’s structured program runs for 24 weeks between January and July, offering competitive compensation and “exposure in multinational culture and agile environment.”

The work itself involves internal communications, employee engagement, CSR program management, and media relations. Unlike agencies where you might pitch journalists daily, corporate PR involves longer-term relationship building and strategic positioning. You’ll spend time on things like employee newsletters, executive communications, and crisis preparedness planning.

Financial services companies—banks, insurance firms, investment houses—maintain particularly robust PR functions due to regulatory requirements and reputation management needs. PT Asuransi Allianz Life Indonesia offers a six-month corporate communication internship with “exposure in multinational culture.” Financial sector internships often pay better than other industries, with programs at PwC and KPMG offering IDR 3-6 million monthly.

Technology companies present another corporate option. GoTo Group and TikTok Indonesia run communications internships focusing on digital-first strategies. These positions suit students comfortable with rapid platform changes and data-driven communications. TikTok’s program seeks “final-year student or recent graduate in Communication, Marketing, Public Relations, Advertising, or a closely related field,” with strong emphasis on “understanding of digital marketing principles and platforms.”

Consumer goods companies like Johnson & Johnson and Philip Morris International offer internships blending marketing and communications. These positions provide insight into integrated communications strategies where PR supports broader marketing objectives. The work often includes product launches, media events, and influencer collaborations.

Requirements and Qualifications That Actually Matter

Most Jakarta PR internships share common baseline requirements, but understanding what truly makes a competitive applicant helps focus your preparation efforts.

Academic standing matters, but less than students assume. The typical minimum GPA requirement sits at 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. This threshold isn’t arbitrary—it serves as a basic filter ensuring candidates can handle complex information and meet deadlines. However, a 3.0 GPA with strong extracurricular involvement in campus media or student organizations often beats a 3.7 GPA with no relevant activities. Recruiters look for evidence you can apply knowledge, not just accumulate it.

Major matters surprisingly little for most positions. While communications, journalism, and public relations majors have advantages, many successful PR interns come from business, psychology, international relations, or even engineering backgrounds. BLACKSTONE explicitly accepts students from “any major.” What matters more is demonstrated interest in communications work and basic competency in writing.

English proficiency creates a clearer divide. Multinational companies require fluent English; local agencies and Indonesian corporations do not. If your English is conversational but not business-fluent, you’re not ready for positions at Philip Morris International or HSBC. Be honest about your level. Struggling through an English-language interview and workday creates stress that impedes learning.

Writing ability trumps nearly everything else. PR is fundamentally about clear communication. You’ll write press releases, media pitches, social media posts, briefing documents, and client reports. Companies can teach you their specific style and approach, but they can’t teach you to construct coherent paragraphs or spot grammatical errors. Before applying anywhere, have someone whose writing you respect review your samples. Many applications fail because students submit work with obvious errors.

Previous internship experience helps but isn’t mandatory. About 40% of Jakarta PR interns are in their first professional role. What makes candidates competitive without experience is evidence of relevant skills: running a campus organization’s social media, writing for university publications, organizing events, or managing communications for student clubs. These activities demonstrate initiative and basic competency.

Technical skills increasingly differentiate candidates. Familiarity with Canva or Adobe Creative Suite for basic graphic work, comfort with Microsoft Office (particularly PowerPoint for presentations), and understanding of social media analytics tools make you more immediately useful. A student who can jump into creating Instagram stories or analyzing engagement metrics provides value from day one.

The application package typically includes a CV, cover letter, and writing samples. Your CV should emphasize communications-related experience and skills while keeping the format clean and scannable. Recruiters spend 30-60 seconds on initial CV review. Dense paragraphs and cluttered layouts get rejected regardless of content quality.

Cover letters matter more for smaller agencies than large corporations. Agencies want to know why you’re specifically interested in them and what you understand about their work. Generic cover letters get noticed for the wrong reasons. Spend 30 minutes researching the agency’s recent campaigns or client work, then reference specific projects in your letter.

Writing samples should match the type of work you’ll do. If applying to agencies, include press releases or media pitches. For corporate roles, include longer-form writing like articles or reports. Don’t submit academic essays—they don’t demonstrate PR writing ability. If you lack professional samples, create mock press releases about campus events or draft social media campaigns for brands you admire.

Application Strategy and Timeline

Jakarta’s PR internship hiring operates on both structured and rolling timelines. Understanding these patterns helps you apply strategically rather than frantically.

Structured programs at large multinationals typically recruit 3-6 months ahead. HSBC’s internship program for mid-January 2026 opened applications in late 2025. DBS Bank’s 24-week program similarly requires applications months before start dates. These programs have fixed cohort sizes and competitive selection processes. Missing the application window means waiting another year.

Rolling recruitment characterizes most agencies and smaller companies. They post positions as needs arise and hire quickly—sometimes within 2-3 weeks of posting. The advantage here is flexibility; you can apply based on your schedule. The disadvantage is unpredictability; opportunities disappear suddenly when filled.

The Indonesian government’s 2025 national internship program established its own timeline. Company registration ran October 1-7, 2025, with graduate registration October 10-12, 2025. This program mandates minimum wage compensation and has specific eligibility requirements—fresh graduates within one year of the regulation’s enactment. Over 793 companies participated, making it worth monitoring for future iterations.

Apply strategically rather than widely. Sending 50 generic applications produces worse outcomes than sending 10 carefully targeted ones. Research each organization, customize your application materials, and follow up appropriately. Quality over quantity consistently outperforms spray-and-pray approaches.

Follow-up matters but must be done correctly. If you’ve submitted your application to an agency, waiting 3-5 business days then sending a polite email confirming receipt is acceptable. Don’t call repeatedly or show up unannounced—that creates negative impressions. One student who secured a competitive internship at Imogen PR noted: “I sent a brief follow-up email a week after applying, mentioning one of their recent campaigns I admired. The recruiter later told me that extra effort made my application memorable.”

Interview preparation should cover both standard questions and PR-specific scenarios. Standard questions include motivation for applying, relevant experience, and career goals. PR-specific scenarios might involve “How would you handle a client receiving negative media coverage?” or “Draft a social media post announcing [specific company news].” Practice these with friends or mentors.

Virtual interviews became standard during COVID and many companies maintain this format for first-round screening. Ensure reliable internet, good lighting, and a professional background. Test your technology beforehand. Technical issues during interviews create bad impressions that candidates rarely overcome.

Timing your applications requires balancing your academic schedule against internship availability. Most programs prefer students who’ve completed major coursework, typically 7th or 8th semester. Applying in 5th semester usually results in rejection because you’ll likely have classes conflicting with full-time internship requirements.

Making Your Final Decision

After receiving multiple offers—or even before applying—you’ll face decision points about which opportunities to pursue. Several factors should guide these choices.

Company reputation matters, but smaller agencies sometimes provide better learning experiences than prestigious names. At a 50-person agency, you might touch many projects superficially. At a 5-person boutique, you’ll be essential to everything, forcing rapid skill development. Neither approach is inherently superior. Students who learn well with structure and mentorship should favor larger organizations. Self-directed learners who thrive on challenge do better in smaller environments where they’re immediately essential.

Compensation creates real trade-offs. An unpaid internship at a prestigious agency might seem worthwhile for the resume value, but if you’re borrowing money to cover living expenses during this period, you’re starting your career in debt. Paid internships enable focus on learning rather than financial stress. The Indonesian minimum wage in Jakarta hovers around IDR 5 million monthly—internships paying less than this mean you’re subsidizing your learning experience.

Location and commute matter more than students initially realize. Jakarta’s traffic is notoriously challenging. An internship in South Jakarta when you live in North Jakarta means potentially 4 hours daily in transport. That’s 4 hours you can’t spend learning, networking, or resting. Exhaustion kills performance. Choose locations reasonably accessible from your accommodation.

Team culture requires assessment during interviews. Ask about typical workdays, team structure, and what previous interns have accomplished. Red flags include vague answers about learning objectives, unwillingness to connect you with current or former interns, or expectations that seem exploitative rather than educational. Good internships balance your learning with your contribution to their work.

The question “Will this convert to a full-time job?” deserves honest examination. Some programs explicitly function as recruiting pipelines. DBS and HSBC structure their internships to identify future employees. Other companies use interns purely for temporary support with no intention of hiring them. Neither model is wrong, but understand which situation you’re entering. If you need post-graduation employment, prioritize companies with conversion track records.

Trust your instincts about fit. If an interview leaves you feeling excited and energized about the work, that’s meaningful. If you feel anxious or uncomfortable with the team dynamic, those feelings rarely improve once you start. The best internship on paper becomes miserable if the work environment is toxic or the role misaligned with your interests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need prior experience to get a PR internship in Jakarta?

Prior professional experience isn’t required for most Jakarta PR internships, though it certainly helps. About 60% of advertised positions explicitly accept students without previous internship experience. What makes candidates competitive is evidence of relevant skills through campus activities. Running your student organization’s social media, writing for campus publications, organizing events, or managing committee communications all demonstrate capability. Focus your application on transferable skills rather than worrying about formal experience.

Are PR internships in Jakarta paid?

Payment varies significantly. Multinational corporations typically offer IDR 3-10 million for 3-6 month programs. Major agencies might provide IDR 2-4 million monthly or transportation allowances. Many smaller agencies operate on unpaid models or offer minimal stipends. The 2025 government-mandated national internship program requires participating companies to pay provincial minimum wages, though not all Jakarta companies participate. When evaluating offers, consider your total costs for transportation, meals, and professional attire before accepting unpaid positions.

How long do PR internships in Jakarta usually last?

Standard Jakarta PR internships run 3-6 months. Corporate programs at companies like DBS and HSBC typically specify 24 weeks or 6 months. Agencies show more flexibility, sometimes accepting 3-month commitments from students with academic constraints. The Indonesian government’s structured program also follows the 3-6 month model. Shorter internships exist but provide less comprehensive learning. Positions shorter than 2 months barely allow time to understand the work beyond surface level.

What GPA do I need for PR internships?

Most Jakarta internships set minimum GPA requirements at 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Highly competitive programs at companies like Philip Morris International, Sampoerna, or Deloitte may require 3.3 or higher. However, GPA functions more as a threshold than a differentiator. Meeting the minimum makes you eligible; your writing samples, interview performance, and relevant experience determine selection. A 3.0 GPA with strong portfolio work often outperforms a 3.7 GPA with no demonstrated communications skills.

Should I apply to multiple PR internships simultaneously?

Yes, apply to multiple positions strategically. Most competitive students apply to 8-12 internships over several weeks, though quality matters more than quantity. Target organizations that genuinely interest you and where you meet the requirements. Customize each application rather than sending identical materials everywhere. Having multiple offers lets you choose the best fit and provides backup options if your first choice falls through. Just ensure you can commit fully once you accept an offer—reneging creates reputation damage in Jakarta’s connected PR community.

Can international students get PR internships in Jakarta?

International students can secure PR internships in Jakarta, though visa requirements add complexity. Most companies sponsoring international interns are large multinationals or embassies familiar with work permit processes. Smaller agencies typically lack the administrative capacity to handle visa sponsorship. If you’re an international student, prioritize larger organizations and explicitly mention your visa status early in the application process to avoid wasted effort on incompatible positions.

Key Considerations for Your Application

The Jakarta PR internship market offers substantial opportunities across agency, corporate, and digital sectors. Your success depends less on applying everywhere than on strategic selection aligned with your goals, skills, and constraints. Use the 3P Framework to evaluate whether positions match your Purpose, Practicality, and Progress needs.

Start your search early—structured programs recruit months ahead while agency positions fill rapidly. Invest time in strong application materials, particularly writing samples that demonstrate clear communication skills. Customize your approach for each organization rather than sending generic applications.

Remember that prestigious names don’t automatically mean better learning experiences. A boutique agency where you’re essential to every project might develop your skills faster than a large corporation where you’re one of many interns. Similarly, paid internships enable focus on learning rather than financial survival.

The right internship provides more than resume credentials. It builds professional networks, clarifies your career preferences, and develops skills that classroom learning can’t provide. Choose thoughtfully based on what genuinely serves your development rather than what sounds impressive to others. The best internship is the one where you’ll learn the most and contribute meaningfully, regardless of company size or brand recognition.

As you research specific companies and prepare applications, pay attention to the team dynamics you observe during interviews and the clarity of learning objectives they articulate. These signals often matter more than formal program structures in determining your actual experience. Trust your assessment of whether an opportunity will genuinely develop your capabilities or simply fill an organizational need.