Indonesian share prices closed flat on Monday, consolidating after recent gains while banks were higher on hopes inflation data due out next week will keep the lid on interest rates, dealers said.
The Jakarta Stock Exchange composite index rose 0.576 points to 1,311.950 on 1.01 billion shares worth 905.86 billion rupiah (100 million dollars.)
The rupiah firmed to 9,040/9,050 against the dollar from Friday's closing level of 9,127/9,132.
"Inflation is expected to slow as power tariff rates will not rise and this could lead to lower interest rates," said Sucorinvest Central Gani analyst Adi Nugroho Wicaksono.
Last week the government decided to drop its plan to raise electricity tariff rates, supporting market confidence of slowing inflation in March.
Trading was generally quiet with the composite index staying in negative territory most of the day, said Batavia Prosperindo Sekuritas analyst Ruddy Raharjo.
Among major stocks, Bank Central Asia gained 75 rupiah to 4,000 while Bank Danamon added 175 to 4,775 and Bank Niaga rose 10 to 465. Bank Mandiri was flat at 1,710 while Bank Rakyat Indonesia lost 100 to close at 3,825.
Market mover Telkom was flat at 6,950 while Indosat added 125 to 5,075 on a technical rebound. Indosat had posted losses last week following the release of weak 2005 earnings results.
Car dealer Astra International dropped 300 to 10,900, also hit by profit-taking after rising last week on dividend hopes.
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