PRESS DIGEST-Indonesian newspapers - June 30

Following are some leading stories in the main Indonesian newspapers on June 30.

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JAKARTA POST

SURVEY PUTS MEGAWATI IN FRONT

- A new survey, conducted by Indo Barometer, indicated former president Megawati Sukarnoputri would win an election if it were held now after recent fuel price rises had hit the popularity of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

BODIES OF CRASH VICTIMS RETURNED

- The remains of 18 people killed when a Casa military aircraft crashed in West Java last week were flown to the Halim air base in Jakarta on Sunday. An official said the air force is still investigating the cause of the crash.

- MERGER PLAN FOR CONSTRUCTION FIRMS ON HOLD

The Indonesian government's plan to merge a number of state-owned construction firms has been put on hold following a warning from the country's anti-trust agency, KPPU, that the move could lead to a monopoly, state enterprises minister Sofyan Djalil said.

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KOMPAS

- MANDIRI EXTEND 1.8 TRLN RPH WORKING CAPITAL LOAN TO TIMAH

Indonesia's largest lender, PT Bank Mandiri Tbk (BMRI.JK), has extended 1.8 trillion rupiah of loans for working capital to the country's largest tin miner, PT Timah Tbk (TINS.JK), Mandiri's corporate banking director Riswinandi said.

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INVESTOR DAILY

- GARUDA FOOD EYES 4 TRLN RPH EXPANSION UNTIL 2012

Indonesian food company, Garuda Food, is planning to expand its business by investing 4 trillion rupiah ($434.3 million) between 2008 and 2012, its chief executive Sudhamek said.

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