Following are the leading business stories in the main Indonesian newspapers on Aug. 27. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy. Telephone: Editorial: +62-21-384-6364. Fax: +62-21-344-8404 or Help Desk: +803-061-2124 (toll free).

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JAKARTA POST

- LOSSES FROM FIRE IN THE CAPITAL SET TO FALL

The Jakarta Fire Department reported 455 fires had been recorded in the city so far in 2007, averaging three a day, but expected losses to be lower than 2006 when 902 fires caused losses of 160 billion rupiah ($17.02 million).

- THOUSANDS HIT BY DROUGHT IN WEST JAVA

Water shortages caused by current dry spell in Cirebon city, West Java, have affected around 5,000 people, forcing them to buy clean water from vendors, said an official of the municipal council.

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KOMPAS

- ASEAN TARGETS FTA TO BE CONCLUDED IN 5 YEAR

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations aims to finalise all of its foreign trade agreements in five years time, in correlation with the establishment of ASEAN Economic Community in 2015, said the Secretary General.

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