Indra Harsaputra, Pamekasan – The law in Indonesia does not apply to "little people." Just for stealing a used sarong worth Rp 3,000 (about 35 US cents), Amirah, 30, a woman working as a domestic maid from Sokon, Temberu village in Pamekasan, Madura, East Java, is at risk of being sentenced to five years in jail.

Amirah has been held at the Pamekasan prison since March 26. Prison spokesman Rendra Yozar said the case was small compared to corruption cases but the court could not reject case files. The defendant is charged with violating Article 362 of the Criminal Code on common theft.

"We will resolve the case immediately keeping in mind the defendant has a responsibility to work to support her family," Rendra told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday.

Rendra said Amirah had admitted taking the sarong from her employer Mariyem, 41, and selling it to meet the needs of her family. She also admitted to stealing rice to feed her 10-year-old son.

When met at the prison, Amirah requested that she be forgiven for her wrongdoing and not be imprisoned, bearing in mind she must take care of her son who dropped out of school after she was fired from her job and detained in prison.

"If I am imprisoned, my son will be alone at home and will not be able to eat because his father left us when he was three," Amirah told the Post.

Petty crimes, heavy sentences

Rasminah

Rasminah binti Rawan, 60, was detained at Tangerang Penitentiary in Banten for allegedly stealing six plates from her employer's house in Ciputat, South Tangerang, in October 2010. Rasminah was facing a maximum of five years' imprisonment for her crime. The Tangerang District Court acquitted Rasminah of all charges against her, which included stealing valuables from her employer.

Basar and Kholil The Kediri District Court in East Java handed down 15-day suspended sentences to two men for stealing a watermelon worth Rp 30,000 (US$3) in December 2009. Basar and Kholil were taken to the Mojoroto Police station and named suspects without being questioned.

Minah

An elderly woman in Banyumas, Central Java, faced the law for stealing three cacao pods worth only Rp 1,500 (15 US cents) from a plantation. The court handed down a suspended sentence of 45 days in prison in September 2009.

Deli Suhandi

A 14-year-old boy was arrested for allegedly stealing a cell phone credit voucher worth Rp 10,000 (US$1.15). He was released from the Pondok Bambu detention center in East Jakarta in April 2011.