Apply for Indonesia Political Inclusion Fellowship Programme

The Political Inclusion Fellowship Programme represents a bold endeavour to address the pervasive barriers that hinder the full participation of women and marginalised communities in formal political structures in Indonesia. Through a holistic approach encompassing training, mentorship, and practical experience, the fellowship aims to empower emerging leaders with the skills, knowledge, and networks necessary to effect transformative change within their political environments. By fostering inclusive leadership practices and amplifying underrepresented voices, the programme seeks to challenge entrenched power dynamics and cultivate a more equitable and representative political landscape.

At the heart of the fellowship lies a commitment to promoting gender equality and diversity in politics. By providing comprehensive training on transformative leadership, policy analysis, and advocacy, participants are equipped to navigate complex political systems and enact meaningful policy reforms. Through mentorship from experienced political leaders and opportunities for hands-on project implementation, fellows gain invaluable insights and practical skills that enable them to drive systemic change and champion the interests of women and marginalised communities.

The one-year fellowship serves as a catalyst for building networks and fostering collaboration among political actors committed to advancing social justice and inclusive governance. Through networking events, regional exchanges, and a robust alumni network, participants can connect with like-minded individuals, share best practices, and leverage collective expertise to address common challenges. With a focus on long-term impact and sustainability, the Political Inclusion Fellowship Programme endeavours to create a legacy of positive change in political structures in the country.

Objectives 

• To encourage political actors to open more space for women and marginalised groups at strategic leadership levels by creating inclusive political structures.
• To empower transformative leadership by fostering leaders capable of driving meaningful change within formal political institutions.
• To cultivate ownership among members, instilling a sense of responsibility to effect change within their organisation and beyond.
• To create space and open opportunities for fellows to meet, understand, engage, and collaborate with wider communities, fostering inclusive dialogue and partnerships across diverse social, cultural, and political groups.

Curriculum Activities

• Transformative leadership: This module focuses on the principles of transformative leadership, emphasising gender-sensitive practices and strategies for navigating power dynamics in political spaces. Fellows will learn to lead inclusively and equitably, ensuring diverse voices are heard and valued, and develop skills to create meaningful change within their political environments.
• Transformative and meaningful change: Dedicated to fostering impactful change within political structures, this module explores effective leadership principles, gender-sensitive practices, and navigating complex power dynamics. Emphasising inclusive decision-making and equitable environments, fellows will combine theoretical learning with practical application to sustain changes that promote fairness and justice in political institutions.
• Policy analysis and development: This module delves into the intricacies of political structures and systems through the lens of Power & Intersectionality, Gender-Sensitive Parliaments, and Violence Against Women in Politics (VAWP). Anchored in these themes, fellows will learn to formulate policies that address diverse community needs, conduct policy impact assessments to ensure equitable outcomes, and engage in policy reviews to critically evaluate and enhance existing regulations. Emphasising experiential and peer learning methodologies, the module leverages the fellowship format to foster transformative change, allowing participants to share insights and develop practical skills in a collaborative environment.
• Diversity and inclusion in politics: Aimed at promoting gender equality and inclusion in political spheres, this module addresses the barriers faced by underrepresented groups and offers solutions. Fellows will learn to create inclusive political spaces that value diverse perspectives, equipping them to foster a more equitable political environment through the implementation of these practices.

Learning Methods

• Project-based learning: Emphasising real-world application of leadership skills, fellows will engage in both individual and group projects to address real political challenges. This hands-on approach includes regular presentations and progress updates, helping fellows to apply their learning meaningfully, receive feedback, and refine their strategies to drive transformative change.
• Participatory action research: This method involves fellows in the active investigation of political issues and the implementation of solutions through a collaborative and reflective process. By engaging in participatory action research, fellows will not only gain a deeper understanding of the issues they aim to address but also develop practical strategies for effecting change. This approach encourages continuous learning and adaptation, fostering a strong sense of ownership and accountability in the fellows’ leadership journeys.
• Interactive workshops: Designed to provide a dynamic and engaging learning experience, these workshops feature hands-on activities, simulations, group discussions, and role-playing exercises. Fellows will practice real-world skills in a controlled environment, learn from case studies of successful political initiatives, and collaborate on complex political scenarios.
• Online learning and guest lectures: The fellowship incorporates online learning modules, including webinars and virtual workshops, along with guest lectures. Fellows will engage with materials from anywhere, participate in online discussion forums, and access digital resources for self-paced learning. Guest lectures and panel discussions with experienced politicians and experts will offer diverse perspectives and deepen understanding of current political issues.
• Mentorship: Offering invaluable guidance, the mentorship program pairs fellows with seasoned political and community leaders for one-on-one support. Regular check-ins and feedback sessions ensure fellows stay on track, while peer mentoring and support groups foster community and collaboration, helping fellows gain confidence, skills, and networks to impact their political spheres. Additionally, the program incorporates reverse mentorship, allowing fellows to share their fresh perspectives and innovative ideas with their mentors, fostering mutual learning and growth. This bidirectional exchange enriches both mentors and mentees, promoting an environment of continuous development and adaptation.
• Networking events: Providing opportunities to expand professional networks, these events include mixers, social gatherings, conferences, and seminars on political topics. Fellows will connect with influential political figures, stay updated on current issues, and participate in regional and global exchange programs. These events facilitate cross-cultural learning, collaboration, and the enhancement of personal and professional connections, contributing to fellows’ growth as political leaders.

Who is the fellowship for?

• The fellowship programme is open to emerging and mid-career politicians (both women and men). The selection process will carefully consider the socio-economic background of each applicant (e.g., indigenous people/religious minority/persons with disability) to ensure diversity of thoughts and lived experiences.
• This fellowship programme is open to applicants based in the Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, Bekasi (Jabodetabek) metropolitan area. The ideal candidates would possess the following characteristics:
  • Full commitment to participate in all parts and stages of the fellowship programme without exception (including attendance in all three forums, delivery of a personal leadership project, and collaboration in a group leadership project).
  • Active membership in a political party that participated in at least one of the three most recent national elections (2014, 2019, and 2024).
  • Passion and/or demonstrated history of supporting inclusive and diverse policymaking, strategic planning, and governance reforms.
  • Proven leadership skills with the ability to influence party decisions and strategies.
  • Experience in building coalitions or working in partnership with politically engaged stakeholders, including civil society organisations and interest groups.

For more information, visit WFD.