New Chapter in Death of Dr. Icha and Alleged Intimidation by Three DPRD Members
The case of Dr. Eliza Princila Utami Pakaenoni, known as Dr. Icha, who died by hanging, has entered a new phase. East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Police are continuing to investigate the alleged intimidation that caused Dr. Icha to become depressed and end her life. To this end, the NTT Police have formed an investigation team, with the National Police’s Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim) also stepping in to assist.
Four people are suspected of being involved in the intimidation of Dr. Icha. Three are members of the Timor Tengah Utara (TTU) Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) and one is a civil servant (ASN) from the TTU Livestock Service. The four individuals have been reported to the NTT Police by Dr. Icha’s family.
“That’s correct, (the investigation team) is to strengthen the inquiry and investigation process regarding the alleged intimidation of the victim who died and has become a matter of public concern,” said NTT Police Head of Public Relations, Commissioner Henry Novika Chandra, to detikBali on Sunday (5/7/2026).
Henry explained that the team was formed after NTT Police Chief Inspector General Rudi Darmoko instructed that the case be handled comprehensively through a joint investigation mechanism involving various relevant functions within the NTT Police and the district police. The aim is to ensure that the entire inquiry and investigation process is conducted professionally, objectively, transparently, and based on valid evidence.
“The formation of the joint investigation team is a follow-up to the assistance results with the National Police’s Criminal Investigation Department to optimise case handling through cross-functional collaboration,” Henry explained. He added that all potential evidence and legal facts will be thoroughly examined, prioritising scientific crime investigation (SCI) so that every conclusion drawn is based on lawful evidence.
The investigation team will be led by the NTT Police’s General Criminal Investigation Directorate (Ditreskrimum) and will involve the Directorate for the Protection of Women and Children (PPA) and Certain Crimes (PPO), the Special Criminal Investigation Directorate (Ditreskrimsus), the TTU Police, and the Kupang Police. Each unit will work according to its authority. Ditreskrimum will investigate the cause of the victim’s death, while the PPA and PPO Directorate will handle aspects related to the protection of women. Ditreskrimsus and the cyber team will examine electronic evidence and coordinate with the Police Forensic Laboratory if necessary.
“Investigators will also continue to examine witnesses who knew about the victim’s activities before the incident, witnesses who were aware of the alleged intimidation, and other parties related to the case,” Henry stated.
Previously, the family of the late Dr. Icha reported four people to the NTT Police. The four are three members of the TTU DPRD, namely Therensius Lazakar (Golkar), Norbertus Tubani (PKB), and Veronika Lake (PDIP), as well as Maria Mathildis Sau, who is the wife of Norbertus Tubani. “We have made an official report at the NTT Police’s Integrated Police Service Centre (SPKT) and there are four reported individuals. One of them (Maria Mathildis Sau) is a veterinarian at the TTU Livestock Service,” said the family’s legal counsel, Viktor Manbait, at the NTT Police Headquarters on Friday.
The family also revealed several findings from their own investigation into Dr. Icha’s death. The family spokesperson, Fabianus Banase, stated that the investigation found that Leona Hospital in Kefamenanu placed Dr. Icha with general patients during her treatment for depression, even though her mental condition required special handling. The hospital also failed to provide an isolation room for the deceased during her treatment and did not provide accompaniment during the psychiatric examination. Furthermore, the hospital did not report the incident to the TTU District Government or the Regent within 24 hours, and security facilities such as CCTV did not meet standards.
“We deeply regret the attitude of the Leona Hospital management, who to this day have not provided an official explanation to the public through a press conference,” said Fabi. He added that the family’s findings indicate weaknesses in the hospital’s handling, both in terms of medical services and patient accompaniment. The family hopes that the report filed with the NTT Police will be followed up promptly so that justice and legal certainty can be achieved, as the case has drawn public attention.
NTT Police Head of Public Relations, Commissioner Henry Novika Chandra, stated that the police will coordinate with criminal law experts, psychologists, and graphologists for handwriting and signature comparisons if needed, as well as medical teams to examine the victim’s health condition based on medical records as part of scientific evidence. He emphasised that all facts will be tested through a professional investigation mechanism, and that the police uphold the principle of presumption of innocence and will not draw conclusions until the entire inquiry and investigation process is complete. To ensure optimal handling, periodic evaluations of the investigation’s progress will be conducted by the joint investigation team. The police also urged the public to remain calm and not be easily influenced by unverified information.