Deadline: January 25, 2026
The INSPIRASI Indonesia Young Leaders Programme 2026 is a prestigious leadership development initiative designed for young civil society leaders in Eastern Indonesia. This programme aims to equip participants with the skills, knowledge, and networks necessary to create meaningful change in their communities. It is a unique opportunity for emerging leaders to deepen their understanding of sustainable development, enhance their leadership capacity, and collaborate with peers across ethnic and religious boundaries.
What is the INSPIRASI Indonesia Young Leaders Programme 2026?
The INSPIRASI Indonesia Young Leaders Programme 2026 is a comprehensive capacity-building programme targeting young leaders based in Eastern Indonesia. Participants engage in a series of activities designed to foster inclusive leadership and social impact. The programme focuses on empowering participants to identify community challenges and implement participatory action projects that bring positive change.
Participants benefit from group activities, reflective sessions, and exposure to development issues relevant to their regions, ensuring a well-rounded leadership experience.
Key Features of the Programme
- Inclusive Collaboration: Participants work on projects that encourage cross-ethnic and cross-religious collaboration.
- Community Action Projects: Each participant designs and implements a project addressing a pressing community development challenge.
- Capacity Building: The programme includes activities that strengthen leadership skills, problem-solving abilities, and project management capacities.
- Peer Engagement: Participants interact with other young leaders, sharing experiences, perspectives, and strategies for effective community impact.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 25 January 2026
- Residential Component: 2 – 12 June 2026 (full-time commitment required)
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to applicants who meet the following criteria:
- Aged 20–30 years.
- Reside and work in Eastern Indonesia, including East & West Nusa Tenggara, Maluku & North Maluku, Papua, and all Sulawesi regions.
- Actively engaged in a community-based organisation or NGO, such as women’s groups, environmental organisations, labour groups, or other civic initiatives.
- Supported by their organisation to participate, including time allocation for online sessions.
- Proficient in English (roughly equivalent to IELTS 4.5 or TOEFL 32–34).
- Available for the full residential programme and not enrolled in other full-time study during the programme period.
- Hold or can obtain an Indonesian passport valid through at least 1 July 2027.
Selection Criteria
The selection process considers both eligibility and potential impact, including:
- Demonstrated leadership experience and potential.
- Clear identification of a community development challenge.
- Commitment to inclusive collaboration across ethnic and religious lines.
- Open-mindedness, maturity, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to cohort discussions.
- Maintaining a balanced mix of ethnicity, faith, and gender within the cohort.
Funding and Partners
The INSPIRASI Indonesia Young Leaders Programme 2026 is funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade as part of its international development cooperation initiatives. The programme is managed by UnionAID in partnership with BaKTI (Bursa Pengetahuan Kawasan Timur Indonesia) and Auckland University of Technology (AUT).
How to Apply
Interested candidates can submit their applications through the official application portal:
For more detailed information about the programme and its structure, visit:
This is a transformative opportunity for emerging leaders who are committed to making a tangible difference in their communities. The INSPIRASI Indonesia Young Leaders Programme 2026 not only strengthens individual leadership capacities but also fosters collaboration and innovative approaches to community development challenges.
For support with proposal drafting, refining, and review, contact us for guidance to maximise your chances of success.
