Parents of Dr Icha Break Down in Tears at DPD RI Office
Abraham Paul Liyanto, a member of the Regional Representative Council (DPD RI) representing East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), received an audience with Gabriel Pakaenical and Nur Azizah, the parents of the late Dr Eliza Princila Utami Pakaenoni, also known as Dr Icha, at the NTT DPD office on Thursday (3/9/2026).
They discussed the case involving the intimidation of three members of the North Central Timor (TTU) Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), which allegedly led to Dr Icha’s suicide. Gabriel and Nur also expressed grievances regarding the failure to detain the three suspects. They were unable to hold back their tears while sharing their hardships at the DPD office.
Gabriel and Nur requested that the three suspects—Therensius Lazakar, Nobertus Tubani, and Veronika Lake, who are currently inactive members of the TTU DPRD—be detained immediately.
“To uphold justice in this case. They are facing multiple charges with threats of over five years in prison, so they should be detained,” said Nur Azizah, who was accompanied by Tiara Pakaenoni, Dr Icha’s younger sister.
“The treatment they showed my daughter is truly unjust,” Nur said while weeping.
The family also requested that the membership status of the three suspects in the TTU DPRD and their respective political parties be revoked, given that they are now suspects. They expressed hope that the senators would support the family in monitoring the case until the three suspects are detained.
Frustration was also voiced by the deceased’s father, Gabriel Pakaenoni. He seeks justice for his daughter to prevent trauma for other doctors, including Dr Icha’s younger sister, who has graduated as a doctor but remains traumatised by her sister’s case.
“I am not crying for sympathy, Sir. I only want to ensure that these things do not happen again,” Gabriel asserted.
Gabriel confirmed that his daughter had received a medical scholarship from the TTU Regency Government. However, due to the circumstances, he is unwilling to allow her to serve in TTU.
“Mr Abraham, my daughter graduated as a doctor through a local government scholarship (TTU), but I do not want my daughter to go there again. Whatever profession she chooses, she will remain here (Kupang),” Gabriel said while wiping away tears.
Responding to the parents’ plea, Abraham immediately arranged a meeting with the NTT Regional Police Chief, Inspector General Rudi Darmoko, and the NTT High Prosecutor, Roch Adi Wibowo.
He emphasised that the DPD would monitor the legal process of this case until it is resolved. “I will attempt to seek information from the NTT Police Chief. We will also oversee the legal process because the parents have expressed their concerns, particularly as this involves representatives of the people,” said Abraham.
He intends to gather all verified information from all relevant authorised agencies involved in handling the matter, including both the NTT Regional Police and the NTT High Prosecutor’s Office. Abraham stated that this case should serve as a basis for improving regulations and laws regarding the protection of healthcare workers.
“I will also act as a bridge to the central government, conveying that this incident in NTT needs to be addressed through legislation that can create a deterrent effect,” Abraham asserted.