The INSPIRASI Indonesia Young Leaders Programme 2026 offers emerging civil society leaders from East Indonesia an unparalleled opportunity to develop leadership capabilities, deepen sustainable development expertise, and implement community-focused action projects. This comprehensive capacity-building initiative selects ten participants annually for an intensive learning experience spanning Indonesia and New Zealand.
Programme Vision and Philosophy
INSPIRASI addresses a critical need for skilled, confident young leaders capable of driving sustainable development in East Indonesia. The programme recognizes that effective community change requires both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, delivered through experiential learning and cross-cultural exchange.
The Cross-Cultural Learning Model
By combining in-country training with an extended New Zealand study period, INSPIRASI exposes participants to diverse development approaches. This international perspective inspires creative thinking about local challenges while grounding learning in East Indonesian realities.
The programme emphasizes collaborative learning across ethnic, religious, and geographical boundaries. Participants work together as a cohort, building networks that transcend traditional divisions and fostering inclusive approaches to community development.
Programme Structure and Components
The year-long initiative integrates multiple learning modalities, practical application, and ongoing support:
Sustainable Development Course (SDC)
The core academic component unfolds in two distinct phases totaling approximately 38 weeks of study:
SDC Part 1: Online Learning in Indonesia (Approximately 150 hours)
Beginning in June, participants engage in part-time online study while maintaining their regular work commitments. This phase covers foundational sustainable development concepts, research methodologies, and begins the exploration of participants’ chosen development challenges.
A two-week intensive residential workshop during Part 1 brings participants together physically for the first time. This in-person period facilitates relationship building, intensive learning sessions, and direct engagement with the teaching team.
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SDC Part 2: Full-Time Study in New Zealand (Approximately 12 weeks)
Commencing in September, participants relocate to New Zealand for immersive full-time study. This phase deepens theoretical understanding while exposing participants to New Zealand’s development approaches, institutions, and practices.
Learning Outcomes and Skills Development
Through the Sustainable Development Course, participants:
Understand Development Frameworks: Explore sustainable development principles as practiced in both East Indonesian and New Zealand contexts, understanding diverse approaches to achieving community wellbeing.
Apply Systems Thinking: Develop analytical capabilities for understanding complex, interconnected development challenges rather than viewing issues in isolation.
Master Research Methodologies: Build competencies in participatory research approaches, enabling ethical, community-engaged investigation of development questions.
Explore Implementation Strategies: Learn various pathways to achieving development goals, from grassroots organizing to policy advocacy to service delivery.
Address Cross-Cutting Issues: Develop expertise in human rights frameworks, gender equality, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability as they intersect with all development work.
Strengthen Project Management: Acquire practical skills in proposal writing, project planning, implementation, and MERLA (monitoring, evaluation, research, learning, and adaptation).
Enhance English Proficiency: Improve professional and academic English capabilities essential for accessing global development resources and networks.
New Zealand Study Experience
The three-month New Zealand phase includes distinctive learning opportunities:
Institutional Exposure: Classroom learning and field visits exploring New Zealand’s approaches to human rights, democratic processes, and community development.
Organizational Visits: Engagement with government agencies (including Parliament), community development organizations, and the Human Rights Commission, observing their operations and practices.
Indigenous Development Perspectives: Introduction to Māori development approaches, learning about the Treaty of Waitangi, and experiencing traditional Māori culture through a marae stay (traditional meeting ground).
Leadership Skills Workshops: Targeted sessions developing organizational management capabilities, campaign strategy skills, and other leadership competencies.
Issue-Specific Organization Visits: Individual or small-group visits to organizations working on challenges similar to participants’ chosen development focuses, providing specialized learning and potential partnership opportunities.
Young Leaders Conference: Multi-day gathering with young leaders from the Mindanao (Southern Philippines) Young Leaders Programme, facilitating cross-regional learning and idea exchange.
English for Development Course (EDC)
Running parallel to the Sustainable Development Course, the EDC strengthens participants’ English language capabilities through approximately 40 hours of structured learning (20 hours workshops, 20 hours self-study) plus ongoing practice.
Course Components:
- Sustainable development-specific vocabulary and terminology
- Professional English for organizational contexts
- Oral communication and presentation skills
- Academic and professional writing for reports and proposals
- Study strategies for continued language development
For candidates whose English levels fall slightly below the selection criteria, additional pre-departure language support may be available.
Community Action Project Implementation
Following the New Zealand study period, participants return to East Indonesia to implement funded action projects addressing specific community challenges. This hands-on component ensures learning translates into tangible community benefit.
Phase 1 – Community Consultation and Scoping: Participants engage community members to refine project design, ensure local ownership, and establish implementation plans.
Phase 2 – Implementation: Participants execute their projects with ongoing coaching and support from UnionAID, BaKTI (Bursa Pengetahuan Kawasan Timur Indonesia), and programme alumni.
Projects receive funding subject to meeting quality criteria, ensuring viable initiatives that demonstrate learning application while serving community needs.
Eligibility Requirements
The programme seeks committed young leaders meeting specific criteria:
Age and Professional Background
- Between 20-30 years old
- Currently employed with community-based organizations or NGOs in Eastern Indonesia (women’s organizations, labor unions, environmental groups, or similar entities)
- Committed to continuing with their organization for a minimum of one year post-programme
Organizational Support
Applicants require formal support from their employing organization, including:
- Flexibility to attend online study sessions during regular work hours
- Approved leave for the 12-week New Zealand study period
- Organizational endorsement of programme participation
English Language Proficiency
Minimum English level equivalent to:
- IELTS: 4.5 or higher
- TOEFL iBT: 32-34 or higher
- TOEFL PBT: 400 or higher
Note: Official IELTS/TOEFL scores are not required for the application, but English proficiency will be tested during the interview process. This threshold ensures participants can engage meaningfully with course content.
Availability and Commitment
- Available for full-time residential of 2-4 weeks during SDC Part 1
- Not enrolled in other full-time study or similar scholarships during the SDC
- Willing to consult UnionAID before enrolling in any part-time courses during the programme
- Hold or able to obtain an Indonesian passport valid through June 30, 2027
Programme Benefits and Support
Comprehensive Funding
All programme costs are covered through New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade funding, including:
- Course tuition and materials
- Travel to and from New Zealand
- Accommodation during the New Zealand study period
- Living allowances
- Action project implementation funding
Expert Instruction and Mentorship
Access to experienced educators and development practitioners from UnionAID, Auckland University of Technology (AUT), and BaKTI, providing academic instruction, practical guidance, and ongoing mentorship.
International Network Building
Connection with fellow East Indonesian leaders and young leaders from Mindanao (Philippines), creating cross-regional networks supporting future collaboration and mutual learning.
Practical Implementation Support
Coaching and technical assistance during action project implementation, ensuring participants successfully apply learning to achieve community impact.
Alumni Community
Upon completion, participants join a growing alumni network of INSPIRASI graduates implementing development initiatives across East Indonesia, providing ongoing peer support and collaboration opportunities.
Cross-Cultural Competency
Immersive experience in New Zealand developing intercultural skills, exposure to different governance systems, and understanding of diverse development approaches applicable in Indonesian contexts.
Who Should Apply
Ideal candidates demonstrate:
Community Commitment: Deep connection to East Indonesian communities and genuine dedication to improving local conditions through sustainable development approaches.
Learning Orientation: Eagerness to acquire new knowledge, openness to different perspectives, and willingness to challenge existing assumptions about development work.
Collaborative Spirit: Ability to work effectively across ethnic, religious, and organizational boundaries, valuing diverse viewpoints and collective problem-solving.
Leadership Potential: Demonstrated or emerging leadership capabilities, with a desire to strengthen skills for greater community impact.
Implementation Focus: Commitment to translating learning into action through community-based projects that address real needs.
Application Process and Timeline
Application Period
Applications for the 2026 cohort are now open. Interested candidates should submit applications as soon as possible, as the selection process is competitive.
Application Requirements
English Language Submission: All application materials must be submitted in English to enable review by the selection panel.
Complete Application Form: Multi-step online application requiring biographical information, organizational details, development challenge description, and motivation statements.
Organizational Support Documentation: Evidence of employer support, including commitment to provide necessary flexibility and leave.
Selection Process
An expert panel reviews applications, evaluating candidates on:
- Alignment with eligibility criteria
- Quality of proposed development challenge focus
- Demonstrated commitment to sustainable development
- English language capability (tested at interview stage)
- Organizational support strength
- Potential for community impact
- Contribution to cohort diversity
Key Timeline Elements
- June 2026: SDC Part 1 online learning commences
- During SDC Part 1: Two-week intensive residential workshop
- September 2026: Departure for New Zealand, SDC Part 2 begins
- December 2026: Return to Indonesia, begin action project planning
- 2027: Action project implementation with ongoing support
Programme Partners
UnionAID: Programme management organization coordinating all aspects of INSPIRASI implementation.
Auckland University of Technology (AUT): Academic partner delivering the Sustainable Development Course with expert faculty and institutional resources.
BaKTI (Bursa Pengetahuan Kawasan Timur Indonesia): Indonesian partner organization providing local coordination, contextual expertise, and ongoing participant support.
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Funding partner supporting the programme through its International Development Cooperation programme in Indonesia.
Programme Impact
Previous INSPIRASI cohorts have implemented diverse action projects, including:
- Octopus processing enterprises are doubling women’s incomes in coastal communities
- Environmental conservation initiatives protecting local ecosystems
- Youth empowerment programmes building next-generation leadership
- Inclusive development projects addressing marginalized community needs
- Cross-ethnic collaboration initiatives strengthening social cohesion
Alumni continue driving sustainable development across East Indonesia, many assuming senior leadership positions within their organizations or launching new initiatives inspired by programme learning.
Why East Indonesia
East Indonesia faces unique development challenges, including geographical dispersion, infrastructure limitations, economic disparities, and environmental pressures. Yet the region also holds tremendous potential, with rich cultural diversity, natural resources, and passionate young leaders committed to community transformation.
INSPIRASI invests in these leaders, recognizing that sustainable development requires local champions who understand community contexts, respect cultural traditions, and bring fresh thinking to persistent challenges.
Take Your Next Step
If you’re a young leader committed to advancing sustainable development in East Indonesia, this programme offers exceptional opportunities for growth, learning, and impact. The 2026 cohort will be the latest group joining this transformative experience.
Review the programme prospectus carefully, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, secure organizational support, and submit your application in English. This investment in your leadership capabilities can catalyze positive change for your community and the broader East Indonesian region.
For more information, visit the INSPIRASI Indonesia Young Leaders Programme.
