Jakarta Future City Hub: A symbol of global collaboration and innovation

Last week, on September 7, 2023, a momentous occasion unfolded in the heart of Jakarta, marking a significant milestone in the partnership between two dynamic cities - Jakarta and Berlin. The Future City Hub, a beacon of innovation and collaboration, officially opened its doors to the public at Jakarta Box Tower in Central Jakarta. This landmark event saw the participation of esteemed representatives not only from Jakarta and Berlin but also Bangkok, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in the realm of Smart City Innovation and sustainable urban development.

The crowning moment of this event was the signing of a Joint Declaration on Innovation & Technology, a testament to the unwavering commitment of Jakarta and Berlin to forge a path towards a smarter and more sustainable urban future. This declaration reinforces their dedication to the "Smart Change" project, a collaborative effort funded by the European Union and initiated in 2019.

The Future City Hub stands as a tangible outcome of this collaboration, designed as a dynamic ecosystem that fosters collaboration, co-creation, and the exchange of ideas. It brings together a diverse range of stakeholders, from startups and innovators to government officials, academia, and civil society, all working together to find innovative solutions to address urban challenges.

Franziska Giffey, Senator for Economic Affairs, Energy, and Public Enterprises, aptly described the Future City Hub as a symbol of international collaboration, democracy, freedom, and international solidarity. It is a place where ideas, innovation, and new technologies flourish, setting the stage for the next wave of urban transformation.

The three-day open house event, spanning from September 6 to 8, marked the culmination of the "Smart Change" project. More than 250 participants from Jakarta, Berlin, and Bangkok gathered to foster innovation, nurture startups, and empower partnerships between industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionaries.

Kariem El-Ali, Team Lead of Smart Change Jakarta, expressed his enthusiasm for this partnership, emphasizing how it is bringing Jakarta and Berlin closer together, creating opportunities for collaboration in urban innovation and economic growth. The enduring partnership among sister cities Jakarta and Berlin is a testament to their unwavering commitment to shaping a smarter, more sustainable urban future through global collaboration.

The Jakarta-Berlin Sister City Partnership is grounded in shared values of innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity. It serves as a platform for strengthening economic ties, promoting global exchange, and collaborating on urban challenges that affect both cities.

Key Features of the Innovation Hub:

1. Cutting-edge Facilities, such as design thinking lab, mini studio, knowledge, and showcase center to inspire creativity and accelerate innovation.
2. Incubator and Accelerator Programs to provide mentorship, funding opportunities, and access to a vast network of industry experts for start-ups.
3. Cross-disciplinary Collaboration to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, enabling experts from various fields to come together and brainstorm groundbreaking solutions.
4. Networking Opportunities to gain exclusive access to a thriving ecosystem of industry leaders, investors, government, and innovators, opening doors to endless possibilities.
5. Community Engagement to giving back to the community and include outreach programs, educational events, and partnerships with local schools and universities to inspire the next generation of innovators.

The journey of Smart Change showcases how myriad stakeholders and partners, with diverse backgrounds and sectors, worked together in policy and piloting processes for smart city and urban innovation. It is a testament to what can be achieved when cities come together to build a smarter, more sustainable future.

For more information about Smart Change and its impact, visit

Home - Jakarta Smart Change

Together, Jakarta and Berlin are forging a brighter path for cities worldwide.

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