SINGTEL is considering launching a charm offensive in Indonesia to correct some of the misinformation spread about the telco.

The possible public relations strategy would be in conjunction with SingTel's appeal to the Indonesian courts against allegations that it violated anti-competitive laws.

SingTel's chief executive for international operations, Mr Lim Chuan Poh, said the firm will talk to PT Telkom, the key shareholder of Telekomunikasi Selular (Telkomsel), to see how it can correct some of the 'very emotional arguments' such as price-fixing that have gained ground.

Telkomsel is Indonesia's biggest mobile operator. SingTel owns 35 per cent and PT Telkom the rest.

Mr Lim, who was speaking at a media briefing on Friday, said SingTel had been focusing on its legal strategy up to now, but could perhaps do more on the public relations front.

In November, Indonesian competition watchdog Business Competition Supervisory Commission or KPPU, ruled that Temasek Holdings, Singapore Technologies Telemedia and SingTel had breached competition law. Indonesian law bans firms from holding majority stakes in more than one company within the same industry.

All three companies are appealing the KPPU ruling, noting that the stakes they have do not breach the law.

Read the full story in Saturday's edition of The Straits Times.