Google invests in Indonesian Uber rival Go-Jek

Google has invested in ride-hailing start-up Go-Jek that rivals Uber and Grab in Indonesia. The company, however, did not disclose the amount invested in Go-Jek. The move is part of Google's ambition to grow Indonesia's digital economy and start-up scene, the tech giant said in a statement.

Go-Jek offers motorbikes and taxis on demand, as well as local services like grocery delivery and mobile payments. It is widely thought to be ahead of Grab and Uber in Indonesia, which is the largest economy in Southeast Asia, a region with more than 600 million consumers and rising internet adoption.

"Go-Jek is led by a strong Indonesian management team and has a proven track record of using technology to make life more convenient for Indonesians across the country," said Caesar Sengupta, vice-president of at Google's next billion users initiative, which is the company's plan to target its "next billion" users around the world.

"This investment lets us partner with a great local champion in Indonesia's flourishing startup ecosystem, while also deepening our commitment to Indonesia's internet economy."

Last month, Go-Jek acquired three financial technology (fintech) start-ups for undisclosed amounts in a bid to dominate Indonesia's digital payments industry.