T

he police find themselves the target of criticism yet again, this time for the arrest of two individuals who sold grey-market tablet computers online without Indonesian manuals.

Dian Yudha Negara and Randy Lester Samusamu, have been in police custody since May 3 after the Jakarta Police arrested them during a transaction for eight Apple iPads. The two men face up to five years in prison on charges of violating consumer laws.

The public has responded to the arrest through a barrage of comments on Twitter, criticizing the logic of the arrest while expressing support for Dian and Randy.

“Free Dian and Randy. They [were] jailed for selling iPads with no Indonesian manual on Kaskus,” film producer Joko Anwar posted, referring to Indonesia’s largest Internet forum, where Dian advertised the tablets.

Another Twitter user, Rangga Prastiko, said, “Selling iPads lands you in jail, but selling seats at the House of Representatives doesn’t.”

House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Pramono Anung said the punishment Dian and Randy faced was excessive.

“They sold only one or two units, not a lot,” Pramono said.

He said the case highlighted the double standards in Indonesian law enforcement, as people with no access to power were easily trapped by legal matters.

Pramono said that if police conducted a thorough examination, they would find that several public officials and legislators would have iPads without manuals in Indonesian.

Dian and Randy’s lawyer, Virza Roy Hizzal, said the two were charged with violating the consumer protection law because they did not provide Indonesian manuals for the iPads they sold. They are also being charged with violating the telecommunications law.

“The defendants feel this is unfair because an undercover police officer entrapped them and put them in prison for conducting activities that are widespread in society,” he said.

Virza said there had never been complaints to the police filed by the public over the lack of Indonesian manuals for grey-market goods.

“What was the reason for the sting operation if members of the public had never complained of the issue?” Virza said.

“We ask for justice and equality before the law. If my clients are punished for the common practice of trading legal goods, then those officials buying similar goods must be brought before the law as well,” Virza said. “Those individuals on Kaskus and retail outlet operators selling electronic goods without Indonesian manuals must also be arrested.”

He said the next hearing was scheduled for Tuesday.

Support for Dian and Randy continues to grow on social networking sites.

The Jakarta Police said they would hold a press conference on the matter on Monday. (rcf)