East Nusa Tenggara Police Take Over Investigation into Doctor's Death Amid Intimidation Allegations

The East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Regional Police have assumed control of the investigation into the death of Dr. Eliza Princila Utami Pakaenoni, widely referred to as Dr. Icha. The regional police force has established a joint investigation team to thoroughly examine the case, which includes allegations of intimidation against the doctor.

According to the Head of Public Relations for Polda NTT, Kombes Pol. Henry Novika Chandra, the formation of this joint team is a direct response to the significant public attention the case has garnered. The NTT Regional Police Chief, Inspector General Pol. Dr. Rudi Darmoko, has instructed that the handling of the case be comprehensive, involving various relevant functions within the NTT Regional Police and its subordinate Polres.

The primary objective of this joint investigation is to guarantee that all investigative and prosecutorial processes are conducted professionally, objectively, and transparently, relying on legally valid evidence. This approach is a follow-up to joint assistance from the National Police Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim Polri) to optimize the handling of the case through cross-functional collaboration.

The investigation will be led by the Directorate of General Criminal Investigation (Ditreskrimum) of Polda NTT. It will also involve the Directorate of Women and Child Protection and Combating Human Trafficking (Dit PPA dan PPO), the Directorate of Special Criminal Investigation (Ditreskrimumsus), the North Central Timor Police, and the Kupang Police. Each unit will operate within its respective authority, with potential coordination with the Indonesian Police Forensic Laboratory if necessary. The Ditreskrimum will focus on the cause of death, while Dit PPA dan PPO will address aspects related to women's protection. Ditreskrimumsus and the cyber team will delve into electronic evidence. Investigators will continue questioning witnesses who knew the victim's activities before her death and those who may have knowledge of the alleged intimidation.