Indonesian share prices closed 0.89 percent higher on Thursday to a new record, on the back of positive sentiment over the country's 2004 growth figures and hopes of strong earnings from the banking sector, dealers said. The Jakarta Stock Exchange composite index closed up 9.533 points at 1,082.978 on volume of 3.86 billion shares valued at 2.85 trillion rupiah (307.7 million dollars). Advancers led decliners 102 to 51, while 63 stocks were unchanged.

The rupiah traded at 9,292-9,297 to the dollar compared to Wednesday's 9,290-9,295.

"Today's gains are more on an individual stock basis, but the economic growth announcement added to the positive sentiment," Sinarmas Sekuritas analyst Alfiansyah said.

Indonesia's gross domestic product (GDP) grew 5.1 percent in 2004 against a revised growth of 4.9 percent in 2003, driven by greater investment and consumption. Analysts had expected GDP growth to come in at 4.8-5.0 percent.

Alfiansyah said interest in the banking sector also rose after Fitch Ratings last week upgraded the ratings of several banks, in line with its recent upgrade of Indonesia's sovereign rating, citing an improvement in the sector in 2004.

Bank Mandiri was up 30 rupiah at 1,870 rupiah while rival Bank Rakyat Indonesia gained 50 rupiah at 3,100.

State telecom firm Telkom dropped 50 rupiah at 4,700, while long distance operator Indosat rose 50 rupiah at 5,600.

Cigarette maker Gudang Garam fell 100 rupiah at 16,500 while rival Sampoerna gained 200 rupiah at 8,150.

Carmaker Astra International rose 100 rupiah at 10,800.

Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2005