TTU Council Member Veronika Lake Speaks Out After Being Implicated in Doctor Icha's Death
A member of the Timor Tengah Utara (TTU) Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), Veronika Lake, has spoken out regarding the death of Dr. Eliza Princila Utami Pakaenoni, known as Doctor Icha, who served at Leona General Hospital (RSU). Veronika has been implicated in the case of alleged intimidation against Doctor Icha.
Veronika provided an explanation concerning the alleged intimidation of Doctor Icha. She stressed that this clarification was intended to explain the chronology of events at RSU Leona, not to diminish respect for the deceased and her family.
“I, Veronika Lake, with the utmost humility, offer my deepest condolences on the passing of Doctor Icha. May the deceased find the best place beside God Almighty, and may the family left behind be granted strength and consolation,” Veronika stated on Sunday (28/6/2026).
Veronika explained that she initially attended a social gathering for wives of TTU DPRD members in Insana District on 13 June 2026. On the return journey to Kefamenanu, Veronika shared a vehicle with two other TTU DPRD members and the wife of a DPRD member.
En route, Therensius Lazakar suggested stopping at the Emergency Department (IGD) of RSU Leona to visit his nephew, who was being treated for a venomous snake bite. Consequently, Veronika joined the visit as she happened to be travelling back with the group.
“My presence at the hospital was not a pre-planned visit,” clarified the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) politician.
Upon arrival at RSU Leona, Veronika recounted, Therensius Lazakar and Norbertus Tubani entered the treatment room first. Meanwhile, Veronika remained in front of the emergency department with the wife of one of the TTU DPRD members.
“When I entered, a debate between my two colleagues and a doctor was said to already be underway. I then joined in asking about the follow-up on the patient’s treatment, service standards, and quality of care,” Veronika said.
During the debate, Veronika reportedly said, ‘just call a journalist’. According to Veronika, this remark was not directed at Doctor Icha personally, but rather at the hospital management.
“Regarding the remark ‘just call a journalist’, I meant it as a suggestion to one of my DPRD colleagues so that there would be external and investigative coverage regarding the transparency of health services, evaluation, and improvement of service quality. So, it was not aimed at any individual or person,” Veronika stated.
Afterwards, the management of RSU Leona and other doctors arrived to provide an explanation, and the discussion continued until the matter was resolved. Veronika claimed that her two fellow TTU DPRD members had already apologised to the management of Leona Hospital and Doctor Icha at that time. Veronika also did not return to RSU Leona the following day.
Veronika said she respects the entire legal process currently underway at the police. The politician affirmed she is ready to provide a statement to the police if required.
“Once again, from the bottom of my heart, I express my condolences on the passing of Doctor Icha,” Veronika said.
It was previously reported that the TTU Police had examined colleagues of Dr. Eliza Princila Utami Pakaenoni, known as Doctor Icha, who were in the emergency department of RSU Leona during the alleged intimidation by three TTU DPRD members. Icha is suspected to have suffered severe depression leading to her hanging herself.
The council members to be examined are Veronika Lake from PDIP, Norbertus Bani from PKB, and Thrensius Lazakar from Golkar. The TTU Police Chief, AKBP Eliana Papote, confirmed that the three TTU DPRD members would soon be summoned for clarification.