Dozens of women in the city of Palu, Central Sulawesi, collected hundreds of pairs of sandals, which they presented to the local police headquarters on Saturday.

The women were protesting the arrest of 15-year-old AAL, who is now on trial at the Palu District Court for stealing a police officer's sandals, valued at Rp 30,000 ($3.30). The boy faces up to five years in prison for the theft of the Mobile Brigade (Brimob) officer's property.

"The legal process against AAL is excessive, uncalled for, inhumane and without conscience," said Fadlun, an initiator of the campaign, at a rally in front of the police headquarters.

The Indonesian Commission for Child Protection (KPAI) has launched a similar effort and opened up sandal collection centers in four cities. The sandals collected by the KPAI are scheduled to be given to National Police Chief Gen. Timur Pradopo.