Responding to the floods disaster that have left hundreds of thousands homeless in Indonesia’s capital Jakarta, Grab Indonesia has signed a strategic partnership with the local government on Friday to provide flood and post-flood management support in the city.
Jakarta has seen the most extreme period of rainfall since more than 20 years ago, where already more than 43 people have died, and about 400,000 residents had been displaced by Friday, according to the National Disaster Management Agency, as reported by The New York Times.
Grab announced that the collaboration aims to handle flood disaster emergencies and reduce negative impacts quickly in an effective and efficient manner. As part of the partnership, the Jakarta government will utilize Grab technology to spread important information related to the floods occurred in the city, and also to disseminate information regarding logistics and aid distribution to victims and refugees.
Grab is also initiating other partnerships with social institutions to distribute assistance and aids to flood victims provided by Grab customers.
“With our advanced technology, Grab will be able to provide fast and accurate information about floods locations and aid distribution. This collaboration is in line with our GrabForGood mission to continue bringing the positive impact of technology for everyone,” said managing director of Grab Indonesia, Neneng Goenadi, in an official statement.
Grab’s e-wallet partner OVO also started a separate initiative in response to the disaster. The firm launched a crowdfunding feature, allowing users to donate and contribute to the flood relief efforts. OVO is also collaborating with various humanitarian aid firms like Red Cross and national charity organization Baznas to expand the reach of distribution, according to the company’s official statement.
Users can make a donation by clicking the “OVO x Grab donation” banner in the OVO app. OVO and Grab pledge to raise up to IDR 1 billion or nearly USD 72,000 to buy staple meals, baby food, and medicines for the victims, as well as to support the evacuation teams and other members working during the natural disaster.