PRESS DIGEST-Indonesian Newspapers - Dec 15

Following are some leading stories in the main Indonesian newspapers on Dec 15.

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).

- - - - JAKARTA POST

- GOVT CUTS AND CAPS FUEL PRICES

Indonesia has decided to cut the prices of subsidised gasoline and diesel fuel, and will cap them next year if the global oil price rises, to keep inflation in check and promote economic growth, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said.

- FLIGHT BAN MAY BE LIFTED AS EARLY AS MARCH

Indonesian airlines may be allowed to fly in European airspace by March next year, the Transportation Ministry's director general of air transportation said, following significant improvements in safety measures as required by the European Commission.

- - - -

KONTAN DAILY

- SMALL INDUSTRIES TO GET 15 BLN RUPIAH INCENTIVE

Indonesia plans to provide 15 billion rupiah ($1.36 million) funding for small businesses producing textiles and shoes, to help pay for new machinery and equipment.

- INDONESIA TAX BASE HITS NEW RECORD IN 2008

An estimated 2.48 million people in Indonesia have registered to pay income tax this year, following government policies to improve tax collection.

- - - -

INVESTOR DAILY

- SAMUDERA INDONESIA TO BUY FOUR NEW SHIPS IN 2009