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View all search resultsNo more flying blind on the way home
They know their way home by heart but millions of people taking part in the Idul Fitri exodus are growing more reliant on real-time traffic information
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T
hey know their way home by heart but millions of people taking part in the Idul Fitri exodus are growing more reliant on real-time traffic information.
In the past few years, popular mobile applications used by travelers have been Google Maps and Waze. Text-based social media platforms such as lewatmana.com and the NTMC Polri application for traffic updates run by the National Police are also aiding travelers.
Social media observer Shafiq Pontoh said automotive makers and distributors have also joined the wave.
'They provide information on the next gas station, makeshift free-of- charge auto garage and rest area,' he said.
While peer-to-peer exchange of information through social media was considered reliable in the past, intentional deviation of information ' or trolling ' and hoaxes have turned users to other sources.
Pop-up advertisements on mobile websites were another nuisance, he said.
'As of last year, most motorists tuned into Radio Elshinta. I predict that this year's prima donna source of information will be major media outlets,' said the chief strategy officer of data-driven business consultant Provetic.
Shafiq said the market was big enough for more mobile applications even if they were only active for one month a year.
The downside was, he added, that they could not all operate optimally on account of the limited data bandwidth and unstable Internet in the country.
'Imagine being stuck in a traffic jam and two to three people in one car take out their phones and go online.' The network will get jammed.' Here's a look at what's available:
Government apps
iBolZ NTMC TV: The Android application operated by the National Police is the digital version of the institution's map on exodus routes usually distributed at departure points. The digital map is connected to CCTV.
GIS Hubdat: The Transportation Ministry-run mobile application is a source of information for alternative routes and key places such as mosques, gas stations, auto shops and restaurants.
Media apps
Jalur Mudik BRI 2015: In collaboration with news portal Detik, the state-owned bank set up an Android-based application that allows users to monitor real-time CCTV along the routes. Sized 9.1 megabytes, smartphones need to be running on at least an Android version 4.0 to support the app. 
Peta Mudik Metro TV: Users can share information on traffic conditions and get updated information via a news video link on the exodus. It can also track other vehicles in a group.
Kids' app
Marbel Ayo Mudik is part of a series of
educational games for children. With eye-catching pictures and
animation, it gives information to the young ones on safe driving and
traffic regulations.
Map apps
The Waze application is compatible with Android, Windows Phone and iOS operating systems.
While Google Maps is at the front of the genre, users have to equip themselves with fast Internet and extra power sources because while in use, the application may exhaust the battery.
Sygic works on Android and iOS phones. It can be used offline, but is slow in updates.
LewatMana is a homegrown application that allows users to monitor CCTV inside Greater Jakarta.
Here Maps and Here Drive are two applications designed for Windows phones and give access while not connected to the Internet. The navigation system offers alternative routes when traffic jams occur.
