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Jakarta stocks

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JAKARTA: Jakarta share prices ended flat in slow trading with most players hunting for Bakrie Plantation shares following good first-half results, brokers said.

The Jakarta composite index rose 2.84 points or 0.57 percent, to close at 504.01 from Monday's close.

"Players are keen to buy Bakrie shares becuase it has good financial results and also due to speculation over a bonus issue," one local broker said.

He said Bakrie's shares prices jumped 1,175 rupiah to 3,500 rupiah, with about 6.7 million shares changing hands.

The broker said the market was still dominated by market talk of an equity or cash injection by a Dutch bank into Bakrie, but added such rumours could not be confirmed.

"It seems to be that it was the rumours which made investors rush to buy Bakrie shares. But I think the fact that is has not issued a bonus served as the strongest reason for investors to eye the shares," he added.

Brokers earlier said foreign interest was also seen in Sampoerna, Mayora, Matahari and Panin Bank.-Reuter