Father's Testimony on Alleged Intimidation of Doctor Icha Before Suicide

Dr Eliza Princila Utami Pakaenoni, also known as Dr Icha, who died by suicide, is alleged to have suffered severe depression following intimidation by three members of the North Central Timor (TTU) Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) in East Nusa Tenggara.

The three DPRD TTU members allegedly involved in the intimidation are Therezius Lazakar (Golkar), Robert Tubani (PKB), and Veronika Lake (PDIP).

Dr Icha was found dead by hanging in her bedroom in the RSS Baumata area, West Baumata Village, Taebenu District, Kupang Regency, on Friday afternoon (26/6). Her family has revealed several instances of intimidation experienced by the 27-year-old doctor.

According to her father, Gabriel Pakaenoni, based on the victim’s statements before her death, his daughter allegedly faced extraordinary intimidation while treating a patient in the emergency unit (UGD) of Leona Kefamenanu Hospital on 13 June 2026.

“Based on the chronology created by Dr Icha herself, the intimidation was extensive, and the pressure was truly extraordinary,” said Gabriel at the funeral home on Monday (2_9/6).

Before her death, Gabriel stated that his daughter was intimidated through pointing fingers and being shouted at with threatening tones.

Gabriel mentioned that the three alleged perpetrators asserted their identities as members of the DPRD Commission III, which holds authority over medical practices in the North Central Timor Regency.

“For example, they were pointing fingers and declaring themselves as members of DPRD Commission III, which oversees the health department and even has the power to freeze any medical practice conducted by doctors,” he repeated from the victim’s account.

According to Gabriel, his daughter suffered from stress and depression due to the shouting from the alleged perpetrators. However, despite the pressure, Gabriel noted that Dr Icha continued her duties to treat a patient suffering from a snakebite, who happened to be the nephew of one of the DPRD members from the Golkar Party, Therezius Lazakar.

“The others shouted with a tone we did not expect, even though she is a medical professional,” he said.

Gabriel stated that in this case, he is not merely defending his daughter, but also the medical profession. He presented two demands regarding this tragic event. First, he called for transparent law enforcement without intervention from any party so that the family can obtain justice based on data and facts.

Secondly, Gabriel requested that the government and hospital authorities provide a sense of safety and comfort for all healthcare workers, particularly doctors, while performing their duties in all health facilities.

According to Gabriel, prior to this incident, his daughter had never experienced intimidation or threats in any form, whether while serving in various community health centres (puskesmas) or practicing at Leona Kefamenanu Hospital.

He noted that while treating the snakebite patient, Dr Icha had followed standard operating procedures (SOP). She had even consulted with a snake expert, Dr Tri Maharani, regarding the treatment.

Meanwhile, Nur Azizah, Dr Icha’s mother, admitted that her daughter had spoken to her via telephone regarding the intimidation. During that conversation, Dr Icha was said to have felt deeply shaken.

“On the night of the incident, she called us, her parents, and recounted this repeatedly,” said Nur at the funeral home.

Dr Icha was found dead in her bedroom due to suicide on Friday (26/6). The deceased allegedly took her own life after experiencing depression due to intimidation by three members of the North Central Timor (TTU) DPRD.

At the time, Dr Icha was treating a child patient bitten by a snake in the Emergency Installation of Leona Kefamenanu General Hospital on 13 June 2026. The patient was revealed to be the nephew of one of the DPRD members involved in the alleged intimidation.

One of the DPRD TTU members implicated in the case, Veronika Lake, denied involvement in the alleged intimidation of Dr Icha.

“I, Veronika Lake, with all humility, express my deepest condolences on the passing of Dr Icha. May the deceased find the best place by the side of God Almighty and may the family left behind be granted strength and comfort,” said Veronika on Monday (29/6).

Veronika stated that her presence at the hospital was not a scheduled visit. She went to the hospital because she happened to be hitching a ride after attending a social gathering for the wives of DPRD TTU members in Insana District.

According to Veronika, during the journey home, DPRD TTU member Therensius Lazakar suggested stopping at the Leona General Hospital Emergency Installation to visit his nephew, who was being treated for a venomous snakebite.

Veronika claimed that the debate between two colleagues and a doctor had already been ongoing by the time she reached the Emergency Room.

“When I entered, the debate between two colleagues and a doctor was said to have already been taking place. I then joined in to ask about the follow-up treatment, service standards, and the quality of service,” said Veronika.

Veronika admitted that during the debate, she had said, ‘just call the journalists.’ However, Veronika denied that the remark was directed at Dr Icha.

Veronika claimed the remark was a suggestion made to one of her colleagues at the time, intended to encourage external and investigative media coverage regarding transparency in health services, evaluation, and service quality improvement. “It was not directed at any person or individual,” she concluded.