PDIP Suspends Veronika Lake Over Alleged Intimidation of Doctor Icha
The Timor Tengah Utara (TTU) branch of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) has suspended one of its cadres, local legislator Veronika Lake, after she was allegedly involved in the intimidation of a doctor who later died in a suspected suicide.
Andreas Hugo Pareira, a senior official in the party’s central board, confirmed the suspension. He stated that following the intimidation allegations, Veronika was questioned by the party’s local ethics body and subsequently deactivated.
The suspension will remain in effect while she undergoes the legal process with the police. “She has given her explanation. The branch leadership then suspended her during the police process,” Andreas said at the parliamentary complex on Tuesday.
He did not clarify whether the suspension was solely from her party membership or also from her position as a member of the Regional House of Representatives. Under Indonesian law, a legislator can be replaced if they are no longer a party cadre.
Andreas noted that further internal sanctions are pending as the police investigation is still at the stage of allegations. “Because this is still an allegation, whether there is a connection between one event and another. It is different from a murder case,” he said.
Police have scheduled the questioning of three local legislators accused of intimidating Dr Eliza Princila Utami Pakaenoni, known as Doctor Icha. The other two are Therensius Lazakar from the Golkar Party and Robert Tubani from the National Awakening Party.
The alleged intimidation occurred on 13 June while Doctor Icha was treating a child bitten by a green snake in the emergency department of Leona Hospital in Kefamenanu. Therensius, reportedly the child’s uncle, arrived at the hospital with Robert Tubani and Veronika Lake. They allegedly spoke loudly and used an intimidating tone towards the doctor.
Victor Manbait, the child’s uncle, later stated that Doctor Icha was still experiencing fear and psychological pressure from the verbal abuse she received while on duty.
Veronika Lake has since responded to the allegations, claiming she did not enter the ICU to intimidate the victim. She also stated that her two fellow legislators had already apologised to the hospital management and Doctor Icha. She added that she did not return to the hospital the following day.
“Once again, from the bottom of my heart, I express my condolences on the passing of Doctor Icha,” she said.