PKB and Golkar to Summon Regional Lawmakers Over Doctor Icha's Death
The National Awakening Party (PKB) and the Golkar Party will soon summon members of the North Central Timor Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), Norbetus Tubani and Therensius Lazakar, who are alleged to have intimidated Dr Eliza Princila Utami Pakaenoni, also known as Doctor Icha, while she was on duty at Leona Kefamenanu Hospital, East Nusa Tenggara, on 13 June 202<0xA0>6.
PKB cadre and Chairperson of the DPP Perempuan Bangsa, Nihayatul Wafiroh, stated that her party will call Norbetus Tubani in the near future to request further clarification. “We will immediately summon the individual concerned for clarification,” Nihayatul said in a statement confirmed by Antara in Jakarta on Sunday (28/6).
According to her, if the allegations are proven true, PKB will impose sanctions on Norbetus Tubani. She added that intimidation against healthcare workers not only violates the ethics of a public official but also breaches party discipline. “We ensure that the individual concerned will receive disciplinary sanctions from the party if involvement is proven,” said the Deputy Chair of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI).
She emphasised that PKB provides no room for acts of intimidation against healthcare professionals performing humanitarian duties.
Meanwhile, Golkar Party official Sarmuji stated that Golkar DPRD member Therensius will be summoned by the party’s Provincial Executive Board (DPD). “Our message to all public officials, especially those from Golkar, is ‘ojo dumeh’ (do not be arrogant). Do not behave inappropriately, including intimidating those in lower positions,” Sarmuji said, as reported by detikcom on Sunday (28/6).
Sarmuji asserted that the party would discipline members if violations are found. “Regarding DPRD members who behave poorly, we request the Provincial DPD to summon and discipline them. For this case, we will ask the Provincial DPD to investigate further,” he said.
The alleged intimidation occurred while Doctor Icha was treating a paediatric patient who had been a victim of a snakebite at Leona Kefamenanu Hospital, North Central Timor. During the treatment, Doctor Icha allegedly faced intimidation from Norbertus Tubani and Therissius Lazakar, who were members of the patient’s family.
The incident reportedly caused trauma for Doctor Icha, necessitating intensive care. On 26 June 2026, Doctor Icha was reported to have passed away following a death by hanging.
The Ministry of Health expressed deep condolences regarding the passing of Doctor Icha. The Head of the Bureau of Communication and Public Information at the Ministry of Health, Aji Muhawarman, stated that the ministry is currently conducting a thorough investigation into the alleged intimidation experienced by the deceased.
Meanwhile, the North Central Timor (TTU) Police and the East Nusa Tenggara Regional Police are intensifying investigations into the alleged intimidation behind Doctor Icha’s death. The Chief of TTU Police, AKBP Eliana Papote, emphasised that the entire legal process is being handled professionally, objectively, and transparently, prioritising evidence and witness testimony.