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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Health & Science

Health Ministry Investigates Doctor's Death in East Nusa Tenggara Amid Intimidation Allegations

From Tempo · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Under investigation
  • The Indonesian Ministry of Health is investigating the suspected intimidation that led to the death of a doctor in East Nusa Tenggara.
  • The doctor allegedly died by suicide after facing intimidation from a local Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD) member while on duty.
  • The ministry has vowed to ensure the protection and respect of healthcare workers, condemning all forms of intimidation.

Indonesia's Ministry of Health is launching an investigation into the suspected intimidation behind the death of Dr. Eliza Princila Utami Pakaenoni, known as Icha Pakaenoni, a physician at Leona Kefamenanu Hospital in North Central Timor Regency, East Nusa Tenggara.

Dr. Pakaenoni is believed to have taken her own life following alleged intimidation by a member of the local Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD) during her work. The ministry stressed that all healthcare workers deserve protection, safety, and respect while serving the public, stating that intimidation, pressure, or degrading actions are unacceptable.

We are very concerned about this incident. Every healthcare worker has the right to receive protection, safety, and respect in carrying out their service to the community. There must be no intimidation, pressure, or actions that degrade the dignity of healthcare workers.

— Aji MuhawarmanSpokesperson for the Indonesian Ministry of Health, expressing concern and condemning intimidation against healthcare workers.

Aji Muhawarman, Head of the Ministry of Health's Bureau of Communication and Public Information, confirmed that the Directorate General of Health Human Resources and the Inspectorate General have dispatched teams to investigate the case. These teams will collaborate with local government, professional organizations, law enforcement, and the hospital to guarantee legal protection and psychosocial support for healthcare workers.

The Ministry of Health invites all parties to refrain, respect the investigation process, and not spread unverified information.

— Aji MuhawarmanA plea from the Ministry of Health for the public to avoid speculation and allow the investigation to proceed.

The ministry extended its condolences to Dr. Pakaenoni's family and strongly condemned any form of intimidation, bullying, or abuse of authority against health workers. Such practices not only disrupt healthcare services but can also severely impact the psychological well-being of medical professionals. The ministry urged the public to refrain from speculation and respect the ongoing investigation, awaiting official findings.

Dr. Pakaenoni was found deceased in her home in Kupang Regency on Friday, June 26, 2026. An initial external examination of her body revealed ligature marks on her neck, consistent with the suspected cause of death. Police reported no other signs of violence. The death is strongly suspected to be linked to depression stemming from the alleged intimidation by two DPRD members from North Central Timor Regency.

Besides that, no signs of violence were found.

— Ajun Komisaris Besar Rudy Junus Jacob LedoKupang Police Chief's statement on the initial findings of the external examination of the victim's body.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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