Indonesian shares closed 0.6 percent lower in relatively thin

Indonesian shares closed 0.6 percent lower in relatively thin trade Thursday with sentiment undermined by lingering security concerns after the deadly Bali bombing, dealers said.

The Jakarta Stock Exchange composite index closed down 2.272 points at 355.105.

"Liquidity is thinning out as it's mostly local investors in the market now; they are looking for some quick gains after the sell-off by foreign investors (after the bombing)," a local dealer said.

President Megawati Soekarnoputri had said little to reassure investors, another dealer said, adding the market remains jittery.

Turnover was 413 million shares worth Rp 414.5 billion (US$45 million).

Sentiment remains weak amid security concerns, with news the Australian government has urged its citizens living in Indonesia to return home due to "disturbing" threats against Australians and Australian interests.

The rupiah was at 9,215/9,225 to the dollar, compared to Wednesday's close of 9,200/9,210.

Bargain-hunting in select blue chips perceived as being undervalued helped limit the index's falls.

Telkom closed up Rp 50 at 2,825 while cigarette maker Gudang Garam closed up Rp 50 at Rp 7,500. Astra International was up Rp 25 at Rp 1,725.

Elsewhere selling pressure remained constant. Indosat was down Rp 100 at Rp 6,900 and Sampoerna lost Rp 75 to Rp 2,825.

Bank Central Asia was down Rp 50 at Rp 1,825 on profit-taking after Wednesday's gains, which were sparked by hopes of improved earnings as a result of higher interest rates.

Dealers said hopes started to fade when the central bank only marginally raised the one-month Bank Indonesia Certificate to 13.07 percent from 13.04. -- AFP