Doctor in NTT Dies, Allegedly Depressed After Intimidation by Two Regional Legislators
A female doctor, Dr. Eliza Princila Utami Pakaenoni, known as Icha Pakaenoni (27), in Kefamenanu Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province, passed away at approximately 6.30 pm local time on Friday (26/6/2026). Icha is suspected to have died from depression after being intimidated by two members of the Timor Tengah Utara (TTU) Regency House of Representatives.
The victim’s uncle, Victor Manbait, stated in a WhatsApp message that the cause of Icha’s death could not yet be confirmed and would be announced after the medical handling was complete. The family was awaiting the arrival of her body from Bhayangkara Titus Uly Hospital in Kupang.
Information obtained indicates Icha was allegedly intimidated while on duty in the Emergency Department of Leona Kefamenanu Hospital. At the time, she was treating a child patient who had been bitten by a green snake. The patient was a referral from Kefamenanu Regional Hospital. Two men claiming to be TTU DPRD members, Therensius Lazakar and Norbertus Tubani, then approached the emergency department and reportedly spoke in a loud tone to Icha. The patient is Therensius’s nephew.
Victor stated that Dr. Icha admitted to still experiencing fear and psychological pressure due to the shouting she received while on duty. The alleged intimidation left Icha shaken to the point of crying at the hospital. She was later found in a weak condition at her residence and ultimately passed away.
Therensius Lazakar and Norbertus Tubani denied any intimidation. Therensius explained that the family panicked because his nephew kept complaining of pain and they had not yet received a satisfactory medical explanation. He admitted their tone of voice had risen due to panic but insisted there was no intention to intimidate the doctor. He said the situation calmed after another doctor explained that the patient’s blood was not contaminated with snake venom and that anti-venom serum was not available. Norbertus added that after receiving a full explanation, they apologised to the hospital director, the doctor, and the emergency department staff.
TTU Regent Yosep Falentinus Delasalle Kebo stated that the regional government supports the family in taking legal action. He emphasised that the government does not want future doctors to be afraid of working in TTU and is currently making efforts to provide a sense of security for doctors serving in the region, acknowledging the lack of interest among doctors to work in TTU.