PDIP's Rieke: Party Sanctions in Doctor Icha Case Cannot Replace Criminal Prosecution

Member of House of Representatives Commission XIII on Human Rights, Rieke Diah Pitaloka, has stressed that party sanctions against cadres allegedly involved in the intimidation of Dr Eliza Princila Utami Pakaenoni, known as Doctor Icha, who died in a suspected suicide, cannot replace criminal prosecution. According to Rieke, the legal process against the perpetrators must proceed, especially if the actions were committed while the victim was on duty in the Emergency Department (IGD) of Leona Kefamenanu General Hospital. “Organisational or party ethical sanctions cannot substitute for the criminal justice process. If intimidation and abuse of official influence against Dr Icha while she was on duty in the IGD of Leona Kefamenanu General Hospital are proven, then this case must be processed professionally, independently, and transparently,” she said in a statement on Wednesday (1/7). The PDIP politician explained that the emergency department is a restricted area that must remain sterile during life-saving procedures. This provision is regulated by World Health Organization (WHO) standards, Joint Commission International (JCI) standards, and Indonesian emergency service regulations. Furthermore, Law Number 17 of 2023 on Health guarantees medical personnel legal protection, occupational safety, security, and protection from violence, harassment, and bullying. Rieke assessed that if the investigation proves a causal link between the intimidation and the victim’s death, investigators should consider applying Article 462, Article 466, Article 468, and Article 58 in conjunction with Article 59 of the Criminal Code concerning aggravated penalties for officials who abuse their authority. “Indications of mens rea also need to be investigated because the reported individuals allegedly knowingly entered the medical service area, used the authority of their office, and should have reasonably suspected that their actions could cause serious psychological pressure on a medical worker on duty,” she said. Rieke asserted that a state of law does not recognise official privilege. On the contrary, she said, the constitution affirms that everyone is equal before the law, without exception. Police have recently scheduled the examination of three regional legislators who allegedly intimidated Dr Icha. They are Therensius Lazakar (Golkar), Robert Tubani (PKB), and Veronika Lake (PDIP). The intimidation allegedly occurred while Dr Icha was treating a child bitten by a green snake in the Emergency Department of Leona Kefamenanu Hospital, North Central Timor, 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 up regarding her involvement. She said she did not enter the ICU to intimidate the victim. She also claimed that her two fellow North Central Timor 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.