Investigation into Doctor Icha's Death Elevated to Inquiry Stage

The Directorate of General Criminal Investigation of the East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Regional Police has elevated the legal status of the case concerning the death of Doctor Eliza Princila Utami Pakaenoni, known as Doctor Icha, from an investigation to a formal inquiry. The decision was made following a case review.

“Yes, after the case review, we concluded that there was sufficient evidence of a suspected criminal act,” said Director of General Criminal Investigation of the NTT Police, Commissioner Sigit Haryono, on Friday (24/7/2026).

Commissioner Sigit explained that the investigation into Doctor Icha’s death had been ongoing for several weeks. He stated that investigators had gathered various pieces of evidence, examined a number of witnesses, and sought statements from experts to ascertain whether the criminal elements of the case were met.

“Based on the collection of evidence, witness examinations, and coordination with experts, investigators have obtained sufficient grounds to elevate the handling of this case to the inquiry stage,” Sigit clarified.

According to Sigit, investigators have examined 35 witnesses, four reported individuals, and sought statements from five experts. These experts include a criminal law expert, a linguistics expert, a psychology expert, a victimology and criminology expert, and a graphology expert.

The witnesses examined also include the family of the deceased, healthcare workers at Kefamenanu Regional General Hospital and Leona Hospital, patients who were present at the location during the alleged intimidation, the Chair of the Indonesian Medical Association (IDI) for North Central Timor Regency, and the Chair of the North Central Timor Regency Legislative Council (DPRD).

“We are committed to handling this case professionally, objectively, transparently, and accountably. Every stage is carried out based on legal facts, evidence, and the provisions of applicable laws and regulations,” Sigit concluded.

The case of alleged intimidation that led to the death of Doctor Icha implicates three members of the North Central Timor DPRD and a veterinarian from the North Central Timor Livestock Service. The three DPRD members named as reported parties in this case are Therezius Lazakar (Golkar Party), Robert Tubani (PKB), and Veronika Lake (PDI-P). The other reported individual is a veterinarian named Maria Mathildis Sau.