List of 3 TTU DPRD Members Allegedly Intimidating Doctor Icha

Three members of the Timor Tengah Utara (TTU) Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) are suspected of intimidating Dr Eliza Princila Utami Pakaenoni, known as Doctor Icha. Icha is believed to have suffered severe depression as a result of the intimidation, leading her to take her own life by hanging. She was discovered crying at the hospital and was later found in a weakened state at her residence before passing away. “When they shouted at Icha, there was a smell of alcohol. There are also photos that were sent to us as the family,” said family spokesperson Fabianus Banase. Police have since scheduled an examination of the three DPRD members in question: Therensius Lazakar (Golkar), Robert Tubani (PKB), and Veronika Lake (PDIP). The intimidation allegedly occurred while Dr Icha was treating a child who was a victim of a green snake bite in the Emergency Department of Leona Kefamenanu Hospital, TTU, on 13 June. Therensius, identified as the victim’s uncle, came to the hospital with Nubertus Tubani and Veronika Lake. They then spoke loudly in an intimidating tone to Dr Icha. “Doctor Icha was still experiencing fear and psychological pressure due to the shouting she received while on duty,” revealed the victim’s uncle, Victor Manbait, on Friday (26/6). Veronika later spoke out regarding her involvement, stating she did not enter the ICU to intimidate the victim. She also claimed that her two fellow TTU DPRD members had already apologised to the management of Leona Hospital and Doctor Icha. Veronika also stated she did not return to Leona General Hospital the following day. “Once again, from the bottom of my heart, I express my condolences on the passing of Doctor Icha,” she said. Central party officials from PDIP, Golkar, and PKB have responded regarding their cadres’ alleged involvement in the case. PDIP Central Board Chairman Djarot Saiful Hidayat stated his party would impose sanctions on Veronika Lake, ranging from a verbal warning to dismissal depending on the severity of the violation. Meanwhile, PKB’s Deputy Chair of House Commission IX, Nihayatul Wafiroh, urged law enforcement to investigate the alleged intimidation professionally, transparently, and fairly, adding that intimidation of health workers is unjustifiable under any circumstances. Golkar Secretary-General Muhammad Sarmuji said the party would investigate the case but declined to speculate on sanctions before a conclusion is reached.