Doctor in NTT Dies by Suicide After Alleged Intimidation by Two Regional Legislators

A doctor identified as Eliza Princila Utami Pakaenoni, known as Icha Pakaenoni, aged 27, was found dead by hanging in Kefamenanu Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province. She is believed to have been suffering from depression, allegedly triggered by intimidation from two members of the Timor Tenggara Utara Regency House of Representatives.

Her uncle, Victor Manbait, confirmed the news via a WhatsApp message, stating that the family had been informed of her passing by her father, Gabriel Pakaenoni. The exact cause of death was initially unconfirmed.

Information gathered suggests the alleged intimidation occurred while Dr Icha was on duty at the emergency department of Leona Hospital in Kefamenanu. She was treating a child patient who had been bitten by a green snake, a referral case from Kefamenanu Regional General Hospital received on 13 June 2026 at 12:50 Central Indonesia Time. Two men, later identified as local parliament members Therensius Lazakar and Norbertus Tubani, arrived at the emergency department and reportedly spoke to Dr Icha in a loud tone. The patient was Therensius’s nephew.

Another uncle and family spokesperson, Fabianus Banase, stated that Dr Icha was found hanging on the second floor at around 17:55 Central Indonesia Time. He added that a mental health examination indicated the deceased had experienced a severe shock leading to a suicide attempt.

Meanwhile, Therensius Lazakar and Norbertus Tubani have denied the intimidation allegations. In a written statement, Therensius explained that the family was panicked because his nephew was continuously complaining of pain. He acknowledged that their tone of voice had risen due to panic over the patient’s condition but insisted there was absolutely no intention to intimidate the doctor.