NTT Police Investigate Alleged Intimidation of Doctor Icha by Local Legislators

The family of the late Dr Eliza Princila Utami Pakaenoni, known as Dr Icha, has officially reported alleged intimidation by three members of the Timor Tengah Utara (TTU) Regional House of Representatives to the East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Police. The report follows the incident believed to have triggered the victim’s decision to end her life. The family delegation, including both parents and two siblings, arrived at the NTT Police Headquarters and proceeded to the Integrated Police Service Centre, with one sibling carrying a framed photograph of the deceased. They were accompanied by the Deputy Director of the Women and Children and Human Trafficking Crimes Directorate, AKBP Samuel Sambolon.

Dr Icha was found dead by hanging on 26 June 2026. The family suspects she suffered severe psychological pressure due to intimidation by three members of the TTU Regional House of Representatives on 13 June 2026, while she was on duty as an emergency room doctor at Leona Hospital in Kefamenanu. The NTT Police Head of Public Relations, Commissioner Henry Novika Chandra, stated that the provincial police have taken over the investigation. A joint investigation team has been established to ensure the inquiry is conducted professionally, objectively, and transparently based on available evidence. The formation of the team follows coordination with the Criminal Investigation Agency of the Indonesian National Police to strengthen the investigation and inquiry process. The police have committed to employing scientific crime investigation methods to thoroughly examine all potential evidence and legal facts, ensuring any legal conclusions drawn are accurate and valid.