Media Literacy and Capacity Building Workshop Series

The U.S.-Indonesia Journalism Excellence Academy Program is a federal funding opportunity issued by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Embassy Jakarta Public Diplomacy Section. This program is designed to strengthen the professional capacity of Indonesian journalists and media practitioners in areas related to information integrity, democratic governance, and emerging technologies. The initiative reflects broader U.S. foreign policy priorities of promoting freedom of expression, digital freedom, and access to accurate information. It seeks to empower credible local media voices and support an informed public by enhancing journalistic standards and technical competencies across Indonesia. The program provides funding through a cooperative agreement mechanism, with one anticipated award ranging between 200000 and 250000 dollars, for a total available funding pool of 250000 dollars. The performance period is expected to last up to 12 months, beginning around October 2026. The funding supports a comprehensive, multi-component training program including an academy, regional workshops, and a culminating media dialogue. Activities are expected to include immersive workshops, masterclasses, mentorship programs, and follow-up reporting projects, all focused on strengthening journalism practices such as fact-checking, data journalism, and analysis of complex policy issues. The core purpose of the program is to equip Indonesian journalists with advanced skills in media literacy, digital verification, and investigative reporting, while also deepening their understanding of democratic systems, economic issues, and regional geopolitical dynamics. The program is expected to reach approximately 500 journalists through the academy and an additional 320 participants through regional workshops. These efforts are intended to create a multiplier effect by encouraging participants to disseminate knowledge within their own organizations and communities, thereby improving the broader media ecosystem. Eligible applicants are limited to Indonesia-based nonprofit organizations, non-governmental organizations, educational institutions, journalism associations, and civil society organizations with relevant experience in journalism training and media capacity building. For-profit entities are explicitly excluded from eligibility, although subcontracting arrangements are permitted if clearly defined. Applicants must also meet administrative requirements such as obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier and maintaining an active registration in SAM.gov. Only one proposal per organization is allowed, and failure to comply with submission requirements results in disqualification. The application process requires submission of standard federal forms including SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B where applicable, along with a detailed proposal narrative not exceeding ten pages. The proposal must include a summary, organizational background, problem statement, program design, timeline, staffing plan, partnerships, and a monitoring and evaluation framework. Additionally, applicants must provide a detailed line-item budget and a budget justification narrative explaining how costs align with program objectives. Supporting documents such as resumes, letters of support, and proof of nonprofit status are also required. Applications must be submitted via email to the designated Public Affairs Section inbox by September 2, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. local time in Indonesia. Proposals will be evaluated based on criteria including program quality, organizational capacity, project planning, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation, and sustainability. Applicants can expect notification of results within approximately 120 days after the submission deadline. The cooperative nature of the award ensures substantial involvement from the U.S. Embassy Jakarta throughout implementation. The Embassy will provide oversight, approve training content and locations, and participate in participant selection. The recipient organization is responsible for program execution, logistics, outreach, and ensuring adherence to strict standards regarding factual accuracy and information verification. This collaborative structure is intended to ensure both program quality and alignment with strategic objectives while maintaining high standards of journalistic integrity.

Ensure strong alignment with program objectives, provide detailed M&E plan, demonstrate organizational capacity and realistic budget justification