Indonesia's capital votes in first direct elections

JAKARTA, Aug 8 (Reuters) Voting for governor of Indonesia's capital began today after a campaign that threw a spotlight on the role of Islam in politics, corruption and a host of social and environmental problems in the teeming city.

Winning control of the sprawling, chaotic city of Jakarta is seen as an important scene-setter for parliamentary and presidential elections in 2009.

But opinion polls have pointed to a low turnout in the city's first direct vote for governor, which may make it a tight race.

''I just want to have a better Jakarta. More jobs, no traffic jams, no floods,'' said Suhendi, a middle-aged man who had just cast his vote in a polling station in West Jakarta.

Only two candidates are contesting the election.

Adang Daradjatun, a former deputy national police chief, is backed by the Justice and Prosperity Party (PKS).

The conservative Islamic party has pledged cleaner government, but has also raised questions over what exactly it's Islamic agenda is in the world's most populous Muslim country.

The young party has grown fast, securing 7.34 per cent of the vote and 45 of the national parliament's 550 seats in 2004.

His opponent is current deputy governor Fauzi Bowo, who is backed by a coalition of 19 parties, including leading national parties Golkar and the Indonesian Democratic Struggle Party.

MUD-SLINGING The Indonesian Survey Institute, a respected polling group, said as few as 35 per cent of 5.7 million eligible voters may vote amid cynicism and confusion over the registration process.

An indication of the result should come from exit polls and quick counts in the afternoon.

Around half of the 600 people interviewed said they doubted the candidates could do much to effectively combat poverty, ease the dreadful traffic congestion and resolve regular flooding.

During the two-week campaign, both parties appeared to rely on a traditional formula of throwing festive rallies, with popular singers, to draw crowds.

Media reports said some of those attending rallies were paid up to 3.78 dollar each for ''transport money'' to attend.

There was plenty of mud-slinging in the campaigns too.

Daradjatun rode on an anti-corruption ticket, accusing the current city administration of incompetence.

But Bowo, an urban planning specialist, says his years of experience in local government are a reason to vote for him.

Meanwhile, Bowo's coalition of parties has raised concerns that a Daradjatun victory could result in sharia-style laws for Jakarta, a view shared by some rights activists.

Daradjatun has dismissed this as a smear campaign and said he has no intention of, for example, shutting down legal nightspots in the lively city.

Most Indonesian Muslims, who make up 85 per cent of the 220 million population, practice a moderate form of Islam, although some local governments have brought in sharia-style laws.

REUTERS SG KP1052