An Indonesian woman named Linda Yuliana, hailing from Majalengka, West Java, found herself in a harrowing situation when she was apprehended in Ethiopia. Linda, age 28, was caught at the Bole Addis Ababa International Airport in June 2024 with a bag containing cocaine. This alarming discovery has put her at risk of facing the death penalty in the Ethiopian legal system.
In response to Linda’s predicament, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been providing consular assistance to ensure that she receives full legal support while navigating the complexities of the Ethiopian judicial process. Judha Nugraha, the Director of Indonesian Citizen Protection at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the importance of legal representation for Linda during a press briefing held at the Ministry’s office in Jakarta on Thursday, March 6, 2025. Nugraha stated, “We are also providing legal assistance to ensure that she receives her full rights within the local court system.”
The case came to light when Linda’s family sought help from the Department of Manpower, Cooperatives, and Small and Medium Enterprises in Majalengka to facilitate her situation. According to her family’s account, Linda was unknowingly deceived into carrying a package, believing it to be an innocent delivery task. “She was asked to deliver a package, more or less like that, only to find out later that the contents were illegal items,” explained Arif Daryana, the Head of the Department in Majalengka.
Linda’s mother, Dede Sumiati, revealed that her daughter had traveled alone to East Africa after receiving a job offer at a gold smelting facility. However, Linda did not commence work even after a week in Ethiopia. Subsequently, a friend she knew from the hotel where she was staying asked her to work as a courier service, requesting her to carry a bag purportedly filled with chocolates. Upon arrival at the Ethiopian airport, Linda’s bag was inspected, revealing the illicit substance of cocaine.
Immediately following her arrest, Linda tearfully called her family, expressing her innocence and feeling trapped in the situation. “I am confident that my daughter is not guilty,” affirmed Dede. Despite being apprehended, Linda has already attended six court hearings without the presence of a defense attorney. The court proceedings for Linda’s case have been postponed until March 12, 2025.
Eman Suherman, the Regent of Majalengka, suggested that Linda may have fallen victim to a drug syndicate. The local government is committed to supporting Linda in obtaining legal protection in the East African nation.
