In an effort to accelerate digital transformation and the development of smarter, more connected cities in Indonesia, Karsa CityLab has formally established a strategic partnership with Google. The partnership was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Google’s headquarters in Singapore on Monday, September 14.
The high-level meeting brought together Anies Rasyid Baswedan, Founder & Advisor of Karsa CityLab, Dedi Wijaya, Managing Director of Karsa CityLab, Yolyn Ang, Vice President of APAC Business Development and Knowledge and Information Partnerships at Google, Kirk Mitchell, Director of Geo Partnerships at Google, Connor Myers, Government Affairs and Public Policy Manager, Geo, and Public Sector, Google and Galuh Rohmah, Product Partnership Geo, Google.
The multifaceted partnership will focus on four key pillars:
- Digitalization of Public Services, by advancing the efficiency and accessibility of data-driven urban governance and public services.
- AI Ecosystem Development, exploring the integration of artificial intelligence into urban management and solutions to complex city challenges.
- Digital Literacy, strengthening digital literacy among communities and urban stakeholders to promote more inclusive and meaningful use of technology.
- Geo & YouTube Innovation, leveraging Google’s geospatial ecosystem, including Google Geo and Maps, to support modern spatial mapping, while utilizing YouTube as a platform for interactive urban exploration and public education.
“Technology should not be an end in itself. It’s to help cities understand their challenges, connect people and institutions, and turn knowledge into better decisions. Through this partnership, we see an opportunity to bring together Google’s technological capabilities with Karsa CityLab’s urban knowledge and collaborative approach to develop solutions that are relevant to the realities of Indonesian cities,” said Dedi Wijaya, Managing Director of Karsa CityLab.
This partnership marks a new milestone for Karsa CityLab as the first Geo for Cities scaling partner in Southeast Asia. Through this collaboration, Karsa CityLab and Google aim to develop integrated technology-driven solutions that respond to the evolving challenges of urban mobility, public spaces, and future city planning across Indonesia. By bringing together technological capabilities, urban knowledge, and cross-sector collaboration, the partnership seeks to contribute to cities that are more connected, accessible, and responsive to the needs of their communities.
