International Affairs Fellowship (IAF) in Indonesia For mid-career U.S. Professionals

If you are driven to deepen your understanding of Indonesia’s role in global affairs, to conduct focused research, and to develop professional relationships across borders, then the IAF in Indonesia, sponsored by the Yayasan Persahabatan Indonesia-Amerika Serikat (Indonesia-USA Friendship Foundation) in collaboration with the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), is a transformational fellowship you should explore. Here's everything you need to know.

🎓 Fellowship Summary ✍️

• Location: Indonesia

• Sponsor: Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) together with the Indonesia-USA Friendship Foundation (Yayasan Persahabatan Indonesia Amerika Serikat)

• Fellowship Level : Mid-career fellowship; duration of 3 to 12 months 

• Target Group: U.S. citizens who are mid-career professionals from academia, business, government, journalism, NGOs, or think tanks, interested in foreign policy and U.S.-Indonesia relations

• Focus: Research or professional projects related to Indonesia’s economy, politics, society, or U.S.-Indonesia relations; cross-cultural cooperation, policy or public diplomacy oriented work

• Value & Coverage:

  • A stipend of US$110,000 for the full 12 months (prorated if shorter duration).

  • Modest travel grant included.

• Application Deadline: October 31, 2025

• When Awarded: Notifications by January 30, 2026 for the 2026-27 cycle

  
  

🧭 Fellowship Overview & Structure

The IAF in Indonesia is designed not just as a research grant but as an immersive professional experience. Fellows spend 3 to 12 months in-person in Indonesia, working with a host organization matched to their proposed project. Working at least three days per week on site is generally expected.

CFR helps place fellows in host institutions (think tanks, NGOs, governmental or non-governmental organizations, journalism outlets, etc.), though placements are not guaranteed at specific organizations.

The program explicitly does not fund:

• Pre- or post-doctoral work

• Projects that are already substantially completed before the fellowship begins

🎁 Benefits

• Generous stipend of US$110,000 (for 12 months; prorated if shorter) to allow you to focus full-time without outside employment constraints.

• Travel grant to cover associated travel expenses.

• Opportunity to work in a foreign setting in Indonesia, build cross-cultural networks, gain deep insight into Indonesian affairs, and strengthen one’s professional profile in U.S. foreign policy or related sectors.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To apply, you must meet all of the following:

1. Be a U.S. citizen 

2. Be a mid-career professional, with strong achievements in your field (academia, government, business, media, NGO, think tank)

3. Hold at least a bachelor’s degree 

4. Possess a strong interest or commitment to a career in foreign policy and in U.S.-Indonesia relations

5. Have a valid U.S. passport that remains valid through at least six months after the fellowship ends

Additionally:

• The program is intended for those who do not already have substantial project work done before the fellowship begins, so that the fellowship contributes meaningfully to new or extended work.

• While prior experience in or with Indonesia is not required, it helps if the project and proposed placement would bring new dimensions to your work.

📝 Application Procedure

How to Apply & Timeline

• Applications open September 15, 2025

• Deadline: October 31, 2025 

• Successful applicants are notified by January 30, 2026 

🗂️ Required Application Materials

You will need to prepare and submit:

• Biographical, educational, and employment information (CV / resume)

• A project proposal with proposed placements in Indonesia. This outlines what you plan to study, research, or do in Indonesia, and with which kinds of organization.

• Two letters of support / recommendation

📂 All submissions are done online through CFR’s application portal.

🔍 Selection Process

Selection is highly competitive. Only one to two fellowships are awarded each year for the Indonesia track.

Evaluation is based on:

• Professional achievement & academic / professional background

• Feasibility and merit of the proposed research or project, particularly how it advances understanding of Indonesia or U.S.-Indonesia relations

• Career development potential: how this fellowship would add something significant to the applicant’s career path

• Personal qualities conducive to cross-cultural communication, cooperation, and diplomacy.

Preference is given to those who have not already held a CFR fellowship.

💡 Additional Notes & Advice

• Because the stipend is quite large, you should plan carefully to make the most of your time in Indonesia—define your project clearly so that you can deliver meaningful work.

• Make sure your travel grant needs are realistic, and check logistical aspects (visa, local collaborators, host organization) early.

• Letters of support: choose referees who understand your work and can speak to your fit for this international work.

• Even though Bahasa Indonesia or local language skills are not required, familiarity could strengthen your proposal or help with placement.

• Ensure your passport will be valid through at least six months beyond your project’s end date.

🔗 Apply Now

🔗 Official Website

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