Three TTU DPRD Members Suspended Over Intimidation of Doctor Icha

Three members of the North Central Timor (TTU) Regional Legislative Council (DPRD) in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), who intimidated Dr Eliza Princila Utami Pakaenoni, also known as Icha, until she took her own life, have been suspended. The decision was taken at a plenary session held on Wednesday (29/7/2026).

The three TTU councillors are Therensius Lazakar of the Golkar Party, Robert Tubani of the National Awakening Party (PKB), and Veronika Lake of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP).

“Earlier today a plenary session was held to announce the decision of the TTU DPRD Honour Council regarding the imposition of sanctions on three councillors reported by the late Dr Icha and her family. The Council’s decision was temporary dismissal from the TTU DPRD,” said TTU DPRD Speaker Kristoforus Efi when contacted on Wednesday.

Kristoforus explained that the temporary dismissal was based on the criminal process over the alleged intimidation, which is still ongoing at the NTT Regional Police. The case has also progressed to the investigation stage, so the TTU DPRD respects the ongoing legal process.

“We greatly respect the legal process at the NTT Regional Police, but we also firmly uphold the principle of presumption of innocence. That was the basis for considering the sanction of temporary dismissal,” explained the Golkar politician.

According to Kristoforus, the decision was taken on the basis of alleged violations of the oath of office and the DPRD code of ethics. At the same time, the TTU DPRD did not rush to impose permanent dismissal.

This is because, he said, the outcome of the criminal process up to the court ruling cannot yet be determined as proven or otherwise. Should the three councillors later be found not guilty, they could potentially file a civil suit at the State Administrative Court (PTUN) seeking material damages.

“If, for instance, their claim is Rp 100-200 billion, where would that money come from? It would be public money,” Kristoforus said.

Once a court ruling has acquired final legal force and finds them guilty, the TTU DPRD will impose permanent dismissal sanctions on all three.

“That is simply the rule. So we took this step (temporary dismissal) first to avoid legal repercussions down the line,” Kristoforus explained.

Kristoforus stressed that, following the temporary dismissal sanction, the three TTU councillors will receive only their basic salary. Meanwhile, allowances, council facilities (AKD), and other entitlements will no longer be paid.

“At most they will only receive their basic salary. Other allowances will not be paid,” Kristoforus added.

“So the members of the TTU DPRD Honour Council have weighed up many aspects. Perhaps it cannot satisfy all parties, especially the victim’s family, but this decision has taken into account many considerations and the legal implications for this institution,” concluded the former activist of the PMKRI Kupang branch.