INSPIRASI Programme 2026: A Fully Funded Leadership Opportunity for Young Civil Society Leaders in Eastern Indonesia

The INSPIRASI programme is now open for applications, offering a unique, fully funded leadership development opportunity for young civil society leaders working across Eastern Indonesia. Designed to strengthen leadership capacity, foster cross-cultural collaboration, and address pressing development challenges, the programme equips emerging leaders with the skills, networks, and global exposure needed to create sustainable change in their communities.

This opportunity is ideal for young people actively engaged in community-based organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and civil society organisations (CSOs) who are passionate about development work and committed to long-term social impact.

 

About the INSPIRASI Programme

The INSPIRASI programme is part of UnionAID’s Young Leaders Programmes, fully funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. It focuses on nurturing the next generation of civil society leaders by combining academic learning, leadership training, peer exchange, and practical engagement with real-world development challenges.

Participants will gain exposure to diverse perspectives, strengthen their leadership skills, and build meaningful connections with other young leaders from different ethnic, faith, and professional backgrounds. The programme emphasises collaboration, inclusivity, and community-driven development, ensuring that participants return home equipped to apply their learning in practical and impactful ways.

 

What the Programme Offers

Successful applicants to the INSPIRASI programme will benefit from:

• A fully funded leadership development experience
• Structured learning focused on civil society leadership and development
• Opportunities to engage with fellow young leaders from across Eastern Indonesia
• A full-time, two-week residential programme
• Ongoing learning through online study sessions
• Exposure to regional and international development perspectives

Participants are expected to actively engage throughout the programme and apply the skills gained to their work within their organisations and communities.

 

Who Can Apply?

The INSPIRASI programme is specifically targeted at young civil society leaders who meet the following eligibility criteria:

Applicants must:

• Be aged between 20 and 30 years
• Be living and working in Eastern Indonesia, including:

1. East and West Nusa Tenggara
2. Maluku and North Maluku
3. All Papua provinces
4. All Sulawesi provinces

• Be working (voluntarily or in a paid role) for a community-based organisation or NGO, such as:

1. Women’s organisations
2. Labour unions
3. Environmental groups
4. Other civil society organisations

• Intend to continue working with their organisation for at least one year after completing the programme
• Have formal support from their organisation, including flexibility to attend online study sessions during working hours
• Have English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 4.5 or TOEFL 32–34 (no test certificate required)
• Be available to participate in a full-time residential programme from 2–12 June
• Not be enrolled in any other full-time study programme or similar scholarship/fellowship during the SDC period
• Consult UnionAID before enrolling in any part-time courses during the SDC
• Hold, or be able to obtain, an Indonesian passport valid until 1 July 2027

Selection Criteria

Beyond meeting the basic eligibility requirements, applications will be assessed based on several qualitative factors. The selection panel will consider:

• Demonstrated leadership experience and future leadership potential
• Clear commitment to development and community-based work
• Identification of a relevant development challenge the applicant wishes to explore through the programme
• Willingness to collaborate across ethnic and religious differences
• Open-mindedness, maturity, and adaptability
• The overall balance of ethnicity, faith, and gender within the participant group

Applicants will be required to submit written essays as part of the application process. These essays are a crucial component of the selection process and should clearly outline the applicant’s civil society experience, motivation for joining the INSPIRASI programme, and the development challenge they are passionate about addressing.

 

How to Apply

Before submitting an application, candidates are strongly encouraged to review the official programme prospectus and application criteria carefully.

The application form allows applicants to save their progress and return later, making it easier to craft thoughtful and well-structured responses.

APPLY HERE

Deadline: Applications must be submitted on or before 25 January 2026.

Applicants can view the programme prospectus in:

English

Indonesian

Need More Information?

For questions or clarification regarding the INSPIRASI programme, prospective applicants can contact the programme team via email at info@bakti.or.id.

About UnionAID Young Leaders Programmes

The INSPIRASI programme is part of UnionAID’s broader Young Leaders initiatives, which include:

• Indonesia Young Leaders Programme
• Mindanao Young Leaders Programme
• Myanmar Young Leaders Programme
• Opportunities to host or volunteer with Young Leaders

These programmes aim to strengthen civil society leadership across the Asia-Pacific region by investing in young people who are committed to inclusive development, social justice, and community empowerment.

If you are a young civil society leader in Eastern Indonesia looking to expand your impact, build your leadership capacity, and connect with like-minded changemakers, the INSPIRASI programme is an opportunity you should not miss.

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