Universitas Indonesia Decolonizing Humanities Fellowship for International Scholars

The Decolonizing Humanities Fellowship is hosted by the Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Indonesia (UI) and supported by Gerda Henkel Stiftung. Its purpose is to respond to persistent dominance of colonial and Eurocentric frameworks in global humanities scholarship by countering structural limitations that restrict scholars in the Global South from leading transformative conceptual interventions.

The fellowship is aimed at mid-career scholars to participate in a research and collaboration program at Universitas Indonesia, with an explicit focus on South-to-South scholarly exchange and mainstreaming epistemologies grounded in decolonial perspectives. It invites scholars based in academic institutions within Southeast Asia (excluding Indonesia) and African countries that have established connections to the Gerda Henkel Foundation network.

Selection targets mid-career scholars who already hold positions within academic institutions. Applicants are invited via an expression of interest, submit previous works related to the fellowship’s epistemological agenda, and go through a screening process. Applications are reviewed by the fellowship selection committee using academic merit, relevance to the program’s agenda, and potential for meaningful collaboration; shortlisted candidates may be invited for further discussion.

The fellowship spans 6-12 months, during which fellows are based at Universitas Indonesia and participate in host department academic activities. Fellows deliver two colloquiums, produce at least one paper draft by the end of the program, contribute to course seminars and workshops, develop collaborative research projects in interdisciplinary teams, and share insights through academic journals, digital media, and public events.

• Applicants must be mid-career scholars.
• Applicants must already hold positions within academic institutions.
• Applicants must be based in academic institutions within Southeast Asia (excluding Indonesia) OR in African countries with established connections to the Gerda Henkel Foundation network.
• Applicants must demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing decolonial approaches in the humanities and to fostering scholarly collaboration across the Global South.

• Monthly stipend for fellows to cover living costs in Indonesia.
• Visa fees and research stay permit processing.
• Travel costs for international flights, reimbursed up to a limit.
• Reimbursement for research-related materials and supplies.
• Grant support for the fellow’s first child under age 18.
• Grant support for each additional child under age 18.

1. Submit an expression of interest outlining academic background and proposed research focus.
2. Submit the application materials via email to [email protected] using the subject line format: Application – Decolonizing Humanities Fellowship – Full Name.
3. Include the required documents in a single email submission.

• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Research Proposal (5 pages maximum).
• Writing Sample (optional but encouraged).