Indonesian share prices closed 0.13 percent lower on Thursday as profit-taking in major stocks led by Telkom and Astra International offset gains in the broader market, dealers said.
They noted Bank Indonesia's decision to trim its BI rate by 50 basis points to 9.75 percent failed to cheer investors as it had already been priced in during a solid advance over the past few days.
The Jakarta Stock Exchange composite index shed 2.312 points at 1,782.116. Volume was 2.46 billion shares worth 2.67 trillion rupiah (271 million dollars). Gainers led decliners 85 to 53, with 68 stocks unchanged. The rupiah strengthened to 9,085/9,090 to the dollar from 9,115/9,120 late Wednesday.
Rifki I Hasan, an analyst with PT Paramitra Alfa Sekuritas, said the market moved in a narrow range as some investors locked in gains in big caps, while others opted to continue accumulating second-line stocks.
"The market seems to be in consolidation mode today. The central bank's decision to cut the rate was already reflected in the market's rise in the last few days' trading," he said.
Telkom lost 100 rupiah to 10,450, Astra International fell 500 to 16,350 and Bank Mandiri dropped 25 to 2,850. Perusahaan Gas Negara rose 50 rupiah to 11,400 amid lingering speculation that the government may divest a small portion of its stake in the firm next week to meet this year's targeted proceeds from the privatization of state assets. The government still holds 60 percent of the company's shares. Property developer Ciputra Development gained 40 rupiah to 800 while Adhi Karya inched up 10 to 820 and toll-road operator Citra Marga Nusaphala added 130 to 1,420. Aneka Tambang was up 350 rupiah at 8,450, Bukit Asam rose 50 to 3,375 and Timah gained 100 to 2,525.