JAKARTA, Jan 30 (Reuters) - Jakarta stocks edged higher on Thursday in lacklustre trading as many investors stayed sidelined, awaiting firmer signals on whether the United States will attack Iraq.
The composite index was rangebound throughout the day, ending just 0.76 points or 0.19 percent higher at 392.29 points, after closing at a three-week low on Wednesday.
Turnover was light, estimated at 138.3 billion rupiah ($15.6 million). Losers led gainers 38 to 35 with 82 shares unchanged.
"Volume is low. There was a slight technical rebound in early trade but gains were not sustainable. Investors' interest in trading is small amid uncertainty over war," said a dealer at Panin Sekuritas.
Dealers said investors are waiting for February 5 when U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell is scheduled to speak to the United Nations Security Council.
"I think trading will stay light tomorrow," said Zaki Maulani, an analyst at Samuel Securities.
Powell is expected to disclose information on Iraq's suspected weapons of mass destruction, using declassified intelligence, in an effort to prove Iraq has attempted to conceal the weapons and to show links to the al Qaeda network of Osama bin Laden, charges denied by Iraq.
Religious leaders in Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim country, have said any U.S.-led attack against Iraq could increase sympathy for Islamic militants and cause unrest.
Most blue chips were relatively flat with auto giant PT Astra International showing the top volume. It ended down 1.19 percent at 2,075 rupiah.
Dealers said Astra is expected to remain under pressure because many players may want to sell their new shares to cash in gains.
The company completed a rights issue programme recently in which shareholders could buy Astra new shares at 1,000 rupiah, far below the current market level. ($1=8,865 rupiah)