International Affairs Fellowship in Indonesia: Strengthening U.S.-Indonesia Relations

The International Affairs Fellowship (IAF) in Indonesia, sponsored by the Yayasan Persahabatan Indonesia Amerika Serikat (Indonesia-USA Friendship Foundation), offers mid-career U.S. professionals the opportunity to conduct research in Indonesia for three to twelve months. This program aims to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation between future leaders in Indonesia and the United States. Applications for the 2027–28 cycle are open from 8 September to 30 October 2026. The IAF in Indonesia is designed to foster deeper insights into Indonesia’s opportunities and challenges, while building a professional network. It supports professionals from academia, business, government, journalism, NGOs, and think tanks. The fellowship is a full-time, in-person experience, requiring on-site work in Indonesia at least four days per week. Fellows receive a stipend of $110,000 for a 12-month period, with a prorated amount for shorter durations. A modest travel grant is also provided. Fellows are considered independent contractors and are not eligible for employment benefits like health insurance. CFR assists in finding a suitable host organization in Indonesia but cannot guarantee specific placements. The fellowship supports research projects related to Indonesia’s economy, politics, or society, or U.S.-Indonesia relations. It does not fund pre- or postdoctoral research, work toward a degree, or projects with substantial prior progress. The IAF in Indonesia provides a unique chance for U.S. professionals to gain firsthand experience in a pivotal Southeast Asian country. It allows fellows to develop new skills, pursue novel research avenues, and significantly advance their careers in international affairs. For more details, visit the Council on Foreign Relations fellowship page. Interested candidates should review the official guidelines on the CFR website and prepare their application materials in advance of the deadline. This fellowship offers a transformative experience to deepen understanding and foster collaboration between the U.S. and Indonesia.