Following are the leading stories in the main Indonesian newspapers on April 18. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

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JAKARTA POST

- INDONESIA ASKS RAMOS-HORTA TO CLARIFY REMARKS

Indonesian diplomats in Dili have been asked to seek clarity over reports on East Timor President Jose Ramos-Horta's allegation that "elements" from Indonesia were involved in a February attack that almost claimed his life.

- GOVERNMENT DRAFTS JOIN DECREE TO OUTLAW AHMADIYAH SECT

The government is preparing a joint decree to outlaw "heretical" Islamic sect Ahmadiyah, following a recommendation by a government board.

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KORAN TEMPO

- RESIDENTS NEAR VOLCANO ILL

Residents living near Mount Egon volcano on Flores island, which has emitted ash since Tuesday, have begun to suffer from respiratory problems due to a shortage of masks.

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