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Voices for the Future

U.S. Mission to Indonesia · Opportunity PAS-JAKARTA-FY26-06

Who can apply

• Others

Eligible ApplicantsThe following organizations are eligible to apply: ● Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations ● Public and private educational institutions● Public International Organizations and Governmental institutionsFor-profit entities, even those that may fall into the categories listed above, are not eligible to apply for this NOFO.

About this opportunity

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION 1. Project Background, Goals, and Objectives Indonesia is the world’s third largest democracy and over half of its population is under the age 30. Because of this large youth demographic, the United States has an opportunity to engage the next generation of Indonesian leaders. For the last several years, however, Indonesian favorability towards the United States has failed to increase despite good government-to-government relations that have resulted in support for trade and military agreements. Meanwhile, as countries such as Russia and China have invested heavily in soft power tactics, their favorability ratings have grown substantially. Adversaries in the region further invest substantial resources to altering public perceptions of America and U.S. government policies through information warfare in both traditional and digital media. The U.S. Embassy Voices for the Future debate team network and championship will support young Indonesian leaders who will help counter growing narratives against the United States that may threaten policy wins. In the age of rapidly developing technology that will fundamentally alter the information space, sharpening the critical thinking, debate, and English language skills of Indonesian youth will equip them to navigate complex information environments, identify anti-American propaganda and media manipulation, and advocate for policies that promote reciprocal trade, regional security, and U.S. - Indonesia cooperation. This program will build upon the popularity of our youth programing, including YSEALI programing, which receives substantially more applications than available slots – allowing more youth with interest in the United States to build positive connections with America. EducationUSA will also hold information sessions on legal U.S. study pathways with students. Project Audience(s): ● Geographic Location: Jakarta, Samarinda, Makassar, Padang. ● Indonesian high school students ages 15-17 with good English proficiency and a demonstrated strong academic record. ● Indonesian high school teachers and debate coaches. Project Goal: Demonstrate U.S. commitment to Indonesia’s next generation of leaders. Strengthen civic literacy among Indonesian high school students through structured debate training and competition. Develop critical thinking, public speaking, and argumentation skills that prepare youth for leadership in civil society, government, and the private sector. Expand English-language proficiency in an applied, communicative context. Build lasting networks among Indonesian youth across regions, fostering national cohesion and cross-cultural understanding. Advance people-to-people ties between Indonesia and the United States by exposing participants to American traditions and values. Project Objectives: ● Objective 1: Establish Voices for the Future debate teams in at least 20 schools through academic programing and coaching focused on critical thinking, public speaking, and argumentation skills that prepare youth for leadership. This objective builds the program's foundation by recruiting a minimum of 20 partner high schools across Padang, Samarinda, and Makassar, plus Jakarta-based high schools through an open call, equipping students with a structured debate curriculum focused on critical thinking, public speaking, and argumentation in English. Each school will have a dedicated coach or faculty advisor to guide students through regular practice sessions using consistent training materials and assessment tools and may form mentorships with a U.S. Embassy Regional English Language Fellow. By embedding debate training directly into school activities, the program ensures that young Indonesians across multiple regions develop the civic and leadership skills they need to contribute meaningfully to their communities and country. ● Objective 2: Strengthen teacher and coach capacity through Training of Trainers (ToT) This objective ensures the program's long-term sustainability by building the skills of the educators. Selected teachers and coaches will participate in a Training of Trainers program that equips them with practical tools in debate coaching, facilitation, and civic education. Participants will also form a peer network to share resources and support one another across regions. By empowering educators, the program creates a lasting foundation that can grow and thrive well beyond the project period. ● Objective 3: Increase student engagement on free speech, digital freedom and AI Through debate topics, workshops, and guest speaker sessions, students will explore themes such as free expression, digital rights, misinformation, and artificial intelligence. They will be encouraged to develop their own initiatives to share what they have learned with wider audiences. This prepares Indonesian youth to think critically about the digital world and engage confidently with the democratic values the United States promotes globally. ● Objective 4: Hold a Voices for the Future National Debate Championship in Jakarta and generate public awareness This objective brings the program to a national stage by hosting a championship in Jakarta that unites top teams from all participating schools. A merit-based qualification process will ensure fair competition, with judges drawn from the U.S. Embassy, Indonesian government, civil society, and the private sector. A strong public awareness campaign through social media and press outreach will amplify the event's visibility and celebrate student achievement. The championship will serve as a powerful, public demonstration of U.S. investment in Indonesia's next generation of leaders. Program Activities: · Program design and partnership development The recipient will partner with at least 20 schools across Jakarta, Samarinda, Padang, and Makassar and local debate communities. In coordination with the U.S. Embassy,

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