CFR’s International Affairs Fellowship in Indonesia: A Transformative Opportunity for U.S. Mid-Career Professionals

Bridging Policy & Practice Across Borders

The International Affairs Fellowship (IAF) in Indonesia, administered by the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) with support from the Indonesia–U.S. Friendship Foundation, offers U.S. mid-career professionals a rare chance to engage deeply with Indonesia’s political, social, and policy environments. Over a three to twelve month period, fellows live in Indonesia, conduct independent research, and build new networks to enrich their work in U.S. foreign policy, academia, or civil society.

 Who Should Apply & Eligibility

To participate in the IAF Indonesia, candidates must:

• Be U.S. citizens.
• Be mid-career professionals, not early- or late-stage, with a track record of achievement.
• Hold at least a bachelor’s degree.
• Demonstrate professional excellence, interest in U.S.–Indonesia relations, and capacity to benefit from a period of immersion.

It’s important to note that this fellowship is not intended for academic degrees or long-term projects already underway.

Duration & Financial Support

• The fellowship term ranges from three to twelve months, depending on your project and placement.
• A stipend of US $110,000 is awarded for a full twelve-month term (prorated for shorter durations).
• Fellows also receive a modest travel grant.
• Note: fellows are considered independent contractors, and the fellowship does not include employment benefits (e.g. health insurance).
• CFR helps in matching fellows with host organizations in Indonesia that align with their project goals.

What Fellows Do

Fellows are embedded in the Indonesian context—working at think tanks, NGOs, academic institutions, government agencies, or civil society organizations. They devote their time to:

• Conducting research on topics related to Indonesia’s politics, economy, society, or U.S.–Indonesia relations
• Producing analytical work (reports, articles, policy briefs)
• Engaging with local institutions, stakeholders, and decision-makers
• Gaining firsthand experience and building professional networks

The fellowship is meant to be a full-time, in-person experience, where fellows typically work on-site at least three days per week.

Selection Criteria

Selection is highly competitive, with only one or two fellows chosen each year for the Indonesia cohort. The selection committee considers:

• Academic and professional qualifications
• The feasibility and strength of your proposal — how well it fits Indonesia and U.S.–Indonesia relations
• Your capacity for cross-cultural collaboration and communication
• The contribution this fellowship would make to your career trajectory

Preference is given to candidates who haven’t had a CFR fellowship before.

Application Timeline & Process

• Application Window: Typically from September 15 to October 31 each year.
• Notification: Applicants will learn of decisions by January 30 of the following year.
• What to Submit:
  • Basic biographical, educational, and work history
  • A well-crafted project proposal with proposed placements
  • Two letters of support

Applicants should coordinate strongly with potential hosts in Indonesia and form a feasible plan before applying.

Why This Fellowship Matters

• Exposure: Offers deep, contextual understanding of Indonesia, one of the world’s most populous and geopolitically significant nations
• Influence: Alumni contribute to policy debates, academic work, and diplomacy with greater authority
• Network: Fellows become part of CFR’s distinguished network, along with access to its global platforms
• Transformative Growth: Many past fellows describe this as a turning point in their careers and perspectives