PKB and Golkar to Summon Regional Lawmakers Over Doctor Icha's Death

The National Awakening Party (PKB) and Golkar Party will summon members of the North Central Timor Regency Regional House of Representatives, Norbetus Tubani and Therensius Lazakar, over allegations they intimidated Doctor Eliza Princila Utami Pakaenoni, known as Doctor Icha, whilst she was on duty at Leona Kefamenanu Hospital, East Nusa Tenggara, on 13 June 2026. PKB cadre and Chairperson of the DPP Perempuan Bangsa, Nihayatul Wafiroh, stated her party would soon summon Norbetus Tubani to seek clarification. ‘We will immediately summon the person concerned for a clarification meeting,’ Nihayatul said in a statement confirmed in Jakarta on Sunday (28/6). She added that if the allegations are proven, PKB will impose sanctions on Norbetus Tubani. Moreover, she said, intimidation of healthcare workers not only violates ethics as a public official but also breaches party discipline. ‘We will ensure the person concerned receives disciplinary sanctions from the party if indeed proven involved,’ said the Deputy Chair of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives. She stressed that PKB gives no room for acts of intimidation against healthcare workers carrying out humanitarian duties. Meanwhile, Golkar Party official Sarmuji said the party’s Provincial Regional Leadership Council would summon councillor Therensius. ‘Our message to all public officials, especially those from Golkar, is ’ojo dumeh’. Do not let your position make you behave inappropriately, including intimidating those in a weaker position,’ Sarmuji said, as quoted by detikcom on Sunday (28/6). He affirmed that the party would discipline the member if a violation is found. The alleged intimidation occurred when Doctor Icha was treating a child patient who was a victim of a snake bite at Leona Kefamenanu Hospital. The patient was reportedly a relative of the two councillors. The incident allegedly caused Doctor Icha severe trauma, requiring intensive care. On 26 June 2026, she was reported to have died by suicide. The Ministry of Health expressed deep condolences over the death of Doctor Icha. The Head of the Ministry’s Communication and Public Information Bureau, Aji Muhawarman, stated that an investigation into the alleged intimidation is underway. Meanwhile, the North Central Timor Police Chief, AKBP Eliana Papote, confirmed that the investigation into the alleged intimidation behind Doctor Icha’s death is being intensified and conducted professionally, objectively, and transparently, prioritising evidence and witness statements.