Honoring the Legacy of Sander Thoenes
The Sander Thoenes Scholarship for Journalists is a new initiative by the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI) in collaboration with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Indonesia and RNW Media.
This scholarship honors the life and legacy of Sander Thoenes, a Dutch journalist who was killed while covering the conflict in Timor-Leste in 1999. The program aims to support journalists from Indonesia and Timor-Leste who are committed to ethical, impactful, and courageous journalism.
Two selected journalists, one from Indonesia and one from Timor-Leste, will have the opportunity to join a 5-day media training program in the Netherlands in late January 2026, designed to strengthen reporting skills, deepen understanding of international media practices, and foster cross-border collaboration.
Program Timeline
| Activity | Timeline (2025–2026) |
| Launch of Call for Applications | 22 October 2025 |
| Application Deadline | 12 November 2025 (22.00 WIB / GMT+7) |
| Screening & Shortlisting | 13 – 21 November 2025 |
| Final Selection | 24 – 28 November 2025 |
| Announcement of Selected Journalists | 8 – 12 December 2025 |
| Media Training Program in the Netherlands | Late January 2026* (exact dates subject to change) |
Who Can Apply
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Citizen of Indonesia or Timor-Leste
- Proficient in English, both written and spoken
- Have at least two (2) years of experience in journalism (print, online, TV, or radio)
Application Requirements
To apply, please prepare and submit the following:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) in PDF format. Please include your current position, media affiliation, and a brief summary of your journalistic experience.
- A short video (max 2 minutes, in English, in MP4 or MOV format) highlighting examples of your journalistic projects that are relevant to the program and demonstrating what you hope to gain from this experience.
- Confirmation of your availability to attend the 5-day training program in the Netherlands (January 2026). Please also upload your National Identity Card to prove your Indonesian/Timor Leste nationality.
- Sample of journalistic work, such as a published article or video report that showcases your work and journalistic approach.
How to Apply
🗓️ Submission Period: 22 October – 12 November 2025
📩 Deadline: 12 November 2025, 22.00 WIB (GMT+7)
Submit your complete application via:
👉 bit.ly/sanderthoenesscholarship
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next selection stage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who was Sander Thoenes?
Sander Thoenes was a Dutch journalist who was killed while covering the conflict in Timor-Leste in 1999. To honor his name and foster press freedom, this program aims to support journalists from Indonesia and Timor-Leste who are committed to ethical and impactful journalism.
2. Is there an age limit to apply?
There is no specific age limit, if you have at least two years of professional journalism experience.
3. What type of journalists can apply?
You need to have either Indonesian or Timorese nationality. We welcome journalists from all media backgrounds — print, broadcast, digital, or radio — who are actively working in the field.
4. Will travel and accommodation be covered?
Yes. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands will cover the costs for flights, accommodation, and daily allowance for the selected participants during the duration of the program.
5. Will FPCI provide support during the application process?
Yes. FPCI serves as the secretariat for this program and can assist with any questions you may have. Please reach out via cindy@fpcindonesia.org.
6. When will the selected journalists be announced?
The results will be announced in December 2025, through FPCI and the Embassy’s official communication channels.
Contact
For inquiries, please contact:
📧 cindy@fpcindonesia.org
