The app, dubbed Jakarta Kini (JAKI), is managed by the Jakarta Smart City (JSC) team, a unit under the Jakarta Communication, Information and Statistics Agency, which manages the use of information technology for public services. A beta version of the software has been downloaded 82,756 times through the Google Play store as of Friday.

JSC chairman Yudhistira Nugraha said the team had developed the app because more and more people were using smartphones rather than computers.

"This mobile-first principle was driving our team to develop the app," Yudhistira told The Jakarta Post on Friday. "We assume people have access to [smartphones]."

Currently in a trial phase, JAKI is to be officially launched in April or May. The application serves as supporting infrastructure to enhance Jakarta's Smart City program, which was launched in 2014 during the governorship of Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama in a bid to improve city officials' responses in addressing residents' complaints.

JAKI offers various features and channels to provide users with direct information from city agencies and city-owned enterprises.

JakRespons, the app's flagship feature, serves as a fast-response system for residents to file reports on problems related to, among other things, health care, traffic congestion and disasters, such as floods and fires. The app has a geotagging feature enabling users to add locations.

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