MAJALENGKA – A tragic fate has befallen Linda Yuliana (27), a migrant worker from Majalengka, who is now imprisoned in Ethiopia over alleged involvement in a drug trafficking case. Linda, initially lured by the promise of a lucrative job, instead fell victim to an international narcotics syndicate’s trap. She hails from Bantar Nagara Block, Liangjulang Village, Kadipaten District, Majalengka Regency, and departed from Jakarta to Ethiopia on June 23, 2024.
The case has drawn serious attention from the Vice Chairman of the Majalengka Regional Legislative Council (DPRD), Commissioner Pol. (Ret.) Dr. H. Juhana Zulfan, MM, who received a complaint from Raida, Chair of the Majalengka Indonesian Migrant Workers Empowerment Agency (BPPMI).
According to Juhana, based on the family’s account, Linda’s departure abroad began with an offer from an acquaintance named Dinda, who proposed a high-paying job as a courier. Unaware of any risks, Linda accepted the offer.
“After a week in Ethiopia, Linda received instructions from Dinda to return to Indonesia via Laos, carrying packages claimed to contain chocolates and bath soap. Unaware of the packages’ true contents, Linda informed her family before departing,” Juhana stated.
However, upon arriving at an Ethiopian airport, security officers discovered illegal substances in the packages. Linda was immediately arrested and charged with drug trafficking.
“From the BPPMI Chair’s report, Linda’s conditions in prison are dire. She suffers from a lack of food and can only drink tap water. Meanwhile, her family in Majalengka is also struggling, especially her parents, who are often ill,” explained the Chair of the Majalengka PKB Party Branch (DPC PKB) on Sunday, March 2, 2025.
Juhana emphasized that the state must step in to protect its citizens. He urged the Majalengka Regency Government, West Java Provincial Government, and central government—including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs via the Indonesian Embassy in Addis Ababa and the Ministry of Migrant Worker Protection (PPM)—to immediately provide legal assistance to Linda.
“This tragic incident serves as a crucial lesson for the public, especially prospective migrant workers, to exercise caution when accepting overseas job offers. The lure of high salaries often serves as a gateway to traps set by international crime syndicates,” he stressed.**
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