PRESS DIGEST-Indonesian newspapers - March 18

Following are some leading stories in the main Indonesian newspapers on March 17.

Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy. Telephone: Editorial: +62-21-384-6364. Fax: +62-21-344-8404 or Help Desk: +803-061-2124 (toll free).

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(For a compilation of election stories please click on [ID:nJAK459805])

BISNIS INDONESIA

- KIMIA FARMA, INDOFARMA READY FOR MERGER

Two Indonesian pharmaceutical companies PT Kimia Farma Tbk (KAEF.JK) and PT Infofarma Tbk are planning a 5 trillion rupiah ($418.1 million) merger, targeting the first quarter of 2010, Sjamsul Arifin, head director at Kimia Farma, said.

- INDONESIA'S EXCELCOMINDO EYES TOWER SALES

Indonesia's No. 3 mobile-phone operator, PT Excelcomindo Pratama Tbk (EXCL.JK), plans to sell its telecommunication towers through direct sales with prices range from 5 trillion rupiah to 9 trillion rupiah, head director Hasnul Suhaimi said.

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INVESTOR DAILY

- INDONESIA'S MEDIACOM TO CONVERT MOBILE-8 SHARES

Indonesia's PT Global Mediacom Tbk (BMTR.JK) has agreed to convert shares in PT Mobile-8 Telecom Tbk (FREN.JK) to help restructure the firm's $100 million bond debt, Global Mediacom official David Fernando Audy said.

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