PRESS DIGEST-Indonesian Newspapers - June 17

Following are some leading stories in the main Indonesian newspapers on June 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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JAKARTA POST

- DEFENCE SPENDING LIKELY TO INCREASE - PARLIAMENT

The House of Representatives plans to increase the country's defence budget to 36.5 trillion rupiah ($3.59 billion) in 2010 from 33.7 trillion rupiah this year, said Azwar Anas, a member of budget committee at the parliament.

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JAKARTA GLOBE

- GOVERNMENT OFFERS NEW OIL AND GAS BLOCKS

The government has opened 24 new oil and gas blocks in a bid to boost energy output and investment, to be offered through tenders and direct appointments, said Evita Legowo, oil and gas director at the energy ministry.

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KONTAN

- LIFE INSURANCE INDUSTRY REVENUE UP 26 PCT IN Q1

Indonesia's life insurance association said the industry posted a 26 percent gain in revenue to 16.7 trillion rupiah ($1.64 billion) in the first quarter, thanks to increasing investment income.

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BISNIS INDONESIA