BRIN-Fulbright U.S. Scholar Research Award
Indonesia
Number of recipients
In addition to being a prestigious academic exchange program, the Fulbright Program is designed to expand and strengthen relationships between the people of the United States and citizens of other nations and to promote international understanding and cooperation. To support this mission, Fulbright Scholars may be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host community, in addition to their primary activities.
The BRIN-Fulbright U.S. Scholar Research Award provides American scholars opportunities to conduct research in a variety of fields in Indonesia. The award is a collaboration between the Indonesian government's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and AMINEF, the Fulbright Commission in Indonesia, under an MoU signed by the two in March, 2024.
BRIN was established by former President Joko Widodo in 2019. Their main task is to conduct integrated research, development, studies, as well as invention and innovation. One of their main programs is to collaborate with foreign researchers to conduct research in various fields related to Indonesian studies.
Through the BRIN-Fulbright U.S. Scholar Research Award, the American scholars will affiliate and collaborate with Indonesian researchers at BRIN. The research projects may focus on scientific, historical, or contemporary topics in Indonesia, or may be comparative across countries, and may involve archival, field, or lab research.
In addition to the actual research, BRIN-Fulbright awardees may be asked to give public talks, train Indonesian research team members, help BRIN’s research centers to develop or strengthen research programs, engage with the academic community at BRIN or universities, or undertake other scholarly activities.
BRIN-Fulbright U.S. Scholar Research awardees will be chosen after a merit-based selection process involving (a) peer review committees convened by the Institute of International Education (IIE) in the US, and (b) a committee comprised of staff appointed by BRIN and AMINEF.
The research can be conducted anywhere in Indonesia, dependent on Indonesian government policies. Certain areas of the country, such as the Mountain Province of Papua, may be restricted under those policies.
Researchers must be affiliated with one of the research organizations in BRIN. The list of BRIN's research organizations can be found in their website: BRIN - Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional
Applicants can contact Fulbright Commission/AMINEF for more detailed information about BRIN and their research organizations.
The grant is for a minimum of five and a maximum of ten months of research.
Research grants can begin anytime from September 2027 through May 2028, conditional upon receipt of a research permit and visa approval by the Indonesian government.
Grants may include support for immediate family dependents (see Award Benefits below). Scholars accompanied by school-aged children during the grant period need to be flexible with the starting date of their grant, since that date may not always coincide with the beginning of the school year in Indonesia.
The award is open to all fields of study.
Priority will be given to research projects connected to on-going research frameworks at BRIN. This includes, but not limited to: area studies, history of science and technology, digital humanities, more-than-human relationship, urban ecology, diaspora, infrastructure, education and technology, childhood education, law and technology, theories of law, international relations, political governance, social and ethnic conflicts, maritime communities, religious institutions, green religion, demography, and disaster. Other topics can be proposed but applicants need to contact BRIN’s Research Centers to make sure that their projects are linked to the the Center’s research priorities.
Additional funding will be available to BRIN-Fulbright U.S. Scholars, as follows.
Domestic Travel Program
Funding for academic-related travel (up to three trips) within Indonesia will be available. Each trip must have scholarly focus, such as visiting an academic institution, and must include lectures or other scholarly programs. Each trip and scholarly program must be approved by BRIN and AMINEF prior to travel. Staff of BRIN or AMINEF can assist with contacts at other institutions.
Host Engagement Project
BRIN-Fulbright U.S. Scholars are also encouraged to carry out engagement projects with BRIN through its various institutes, organizations, and research centers during their grant period. These projects need to be approved by BRIN and AMINEF.
Additional Research Support
BRIN-Fulbright U.S. Scholars can also apply for additional research support and use the funds to cover research expenses such as research assistants, equipment, transportation, etc.
Support for Research Counterparts
The BRIN-Fulbright award may also provide funding for an Indonesian research counterpart at BRIN to collaborate actively in any field research.
All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).
Applicants do not need to provide a letter of invitation from BRIN at the time of application but should be in the process of securing such a letter. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact potential research counterparts at research centers at BRIN in order to find common interest in research topics. Applicants can contact AMINEF for more detailed information about BRIN research centers.
Indonesian language fluency sufficient to complete the research project is recommended. Applicants without Indonesian language skills should explicitly address the issue in their discussion of the feasibility of the project in their project proposal.
Academics must have a record of scholarly publications.
Qualified professionals must have recognized professional standing and substantial professional accomplishment in their field.
BRIN-Fulbright U.S. Scholars will receive $2,500 per month as a research stipend and $1,400–$1,800 per month for housing, to be arranged by the grantee.
The housing allowance varies depending on the number of accompanying dependents and the location of the research project.
Round-trip international travel will be covered for BRIN-Fulbright U.S. Scholar grantees by AMINEF using a U.S. flag carrier in economy class only.
Travel for one accompanying dependent is also provided. The accompanying dependent must be present in Indonesia during the full grant period to qualify. According to Indonesian immigration law, only spouses with marriage certificates and children under 17 years qualify as dependents. To obtain a visa for a child, a marriage certificate of the parents will also be required.
One-time excess baggage allowance: $750
One-time research/relocation allowance: $750
For BRIN-Fulbright U.S. Scholar awards, AMINEF will reimburse scholars for dependent tuition up to a maximum of $5,000 per school-age child in grades K-12, for up to two children per family. To be reimbursed, receipts from the school(s) in Indonesia where the children are enrolled must be presented. This is a one-time reimbursement. Please note that while this amount may cover costs at many local Indonesian public and private schools, it may not cover the full tuition costs of many international schools. Any tuition above the one-time $5,000 allowance per dependent is the sole responsibility of the BRIN-Fulbright Scholar.
Dependents must accompany the grantee for at least 80% of the period abroad and a minimum of one semester to qualify for additional dependent benefits.
Dependents must accompany the grantee for at least 80% of the period abroad and a minimum of one semester in order to qualify for additional dependent benefits. Dependent benefits are not provided to Flex grantees.
For metropolitan areas, especially the larger cities in Java and Bali, the estimated cost of living per day (meals and transportation) is between $30-$50. The rental cost for apartment or housing is $500-$1,500 per month. As for the smaller cities, especially outside of Java and Bali, the estimated cost of living per day (meals and transportation) is between $20-$30. The rental cost for apartment or housing is $300-$700 per month.
A monthly local transportation allowance of $400-$500 will be provided based on the research site.
A one-time permit allowance of $250 to $500 for the Fulbright scholar and additional permit allowance for one dependent will be available. BRIN will help the grantee to acquire the necessary ethical clearance, research permit, and visa from Immigration, as well as recommend affiliated local research or academic institutions.
BRIN-Fulbright U.S. Scholar grantees are encouraged to take advantage of a two-week intensive Indonesian language course in Indonesia during their grant period. AMINEF will assist in arranging this training and the BRIN-AMINEF award will include payment to the training provider as well as transportation and accommodation if the training site is other than the Scholar's research site.
Final grant amounts will be determined prior to the start of the academic year and are subject to the availability of funds. BRIN, the United States Department of State and AMINEF reserve the right to alter, without notice, the number of awards and the exact details of award allowances.
Final grant amounts will be determined prior to the start of the academic year and are subject to the availability of funds. The United States Department of State and the Fulbright Commission in the host country reserve the right to alter, without notice, participating countries, number of awards and allowances.
Indonesia
Living in Indonesia
When you think about Asia, Indonesia might not be at the forefront of your mind. However, do you know that Indonesia is the world's fourth most populous nation and third largest democracy? Although quite big, Indonesia is still considered a hidden gem of Asia. With more than 17,000 islands, this vast archipelago is rich in natural resources and possesses exceptional biodiversity. Its culture and heritage--with numerous ethnic groups and hundreds of local languages--matches its natural variety of life. Since political reform begun in 1998, Indonesia has worked to strengthen its democratic governance, and as the largest economy in Southeast Asia, it is critical to regional stability.
Indonesia, as the United States, is a very diverse country. Where you live will create a unique experience that will be different than if you live in another city or island. But, rest assured, the experience will be memorable wherever you live in Indonesia, whether it's in the fishing community in Flores, mountainous village in Central Java, or the crowded city of Medan in North Sumatra.
Some Pro Tips
Finding housing in Indonesia is perhaps not always easy, but many housing agencies can help scholars navigate this process. Host institutions can also assist since they know more about the local environment. Apartments are more common in larger cities, while in smaller cities, options range from rental homes, boarding and guest houses, and home stays.
Most cities now have online transportation service that can be accessed through apps, like Gojek and Grab. Make sure you download these apps before you depart for Indonesia. In large cities, buses, trains, and taxis are common and in most places, it is possible to hire a car and driver for longer journeys in and out of town.
For scholars who bring dependents, there are more options for International (English-language) schools in larger cities, such as Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, and Denpasar.
For more information about living in Indonesia, please access this link.
Dr. Juiching Wang (U.S. Scholar 2016) conducted research on
Dolanan Anak, traditional Javanese Children's singing games,
and its implementation in the school teaching and curriculum.
Support from AMINEF/Fulbright Indonesia
During your grant, AMINEF/Fulbright Indonesia will help you to acclimate with life in Indonesia. AMINEF will prepare you before your departure to Indonesia through a series of webinars and virtual orientations, where you can also meet with your fellow Fulbright scholars and chat with some Fulbright alumni.
Upon your arrival in Jakarta, AMINEF will invite you to join the arrival briefing at the office. Besides giving more information and tips about living and working in Indonesia, this briefing also gives you the opportunity to meet with our team in real life, after only communicating via online so far.
And throughout your grant, you will be given other opportunities to attend Fulbright Indonesia events, including a joint conference with other US Fulbrighters, a Pre Departure Orientation for Indonesian Fulbrighters, and sitting at the panel for Fulbright selection interviews.
We at AMINEF would like you to have the most impactful and valuable experience, and we are ready to help you achieve this by connecting you with the extensive network of Indonesian Fulbright alumni all over Indonesia. This network will enhance your Fulbright experience, since you can find many ways to share your project or expertise with them by visiting their institutions.
If an applicant would like to talk to a former US Fulbright scholar to Indonesia, AMINEF will be happy to make this connection. Our website also provides stories and pictures from former scholars, and a list with current Fulbright grantees.
Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni.
Some testimonials from previous Fulbright scholars:
"I had a wonderful experience teaching at a state university in Jakarta, Indonesia. It was a profound experience for me both personally and professionally. I couldn't have done it without the local staff's help. AMINEF proved to be my home away from home." (Dr. Sunny Owens, 2024 Fulbright Scholar, teaching Communications at State University of Jakarta)
"The Fulbright provided my family with an opportunity to live in a vastly different culture. My children learned more about themselves in this experience than anything else we have ever done for them. They also learned how unique and beautiful the different cultures in the world are." (Dr. Jared Whitehead, 2024 Fulbright Scholar, conducting research with Bandung Institute of Technology)
Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.
Important information to consider before applying
Foreign researchers to Indonesia are required to seek Ethical Clearance and Research Permit from the National Agency and Innovation (BRIN) and Limited Stay visa for Research Activities (C315) from the Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration.
AMINEF will assist grantees in navigating the process to secure the necessary permits and visas, and grantees must also work with their host institutions to apply for the visa. Detailed procedures for obtaining a research permit will be communicated to grantees after selection.
Permission to enter more than one national park/conservation area will require a longer permit processing time and incur greater expense.
Permission to move samples will require a specific permit process and oftentimes it is not possible for researchers to obtain this permit.
Upon finishing research, foreign researchers may also be asked to submit data collected from their field research in Indonesia to BRIN through an online research repository. According to Indonesian Research Law, foreign researchers and their Indonesian collaborators are also expected to jointly publish the result of their research in an accredited international or national academic journal.