Indonesia: Investigation into Doctor Icha's Death Moves to Inquiry Stage

The East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Regional Police have advanced the investigation into the alleged intimidation of Eliza Princila Utami Pakaenoni, known as Doctor Icha, to the inquiry stage. The decision was made after a joint investigation determined that a criminal offense had likely occurred.

Director of General Criminal Investigation at NTT Regional Police, Commissioner Grand Sigit Haryono, stated that the case status was elevated based on the findings of a joint investigation and a case review held on Thursday, July 23, 2026. "Based on the results of the case review, after a series of investigative actions, it was concluded that the reported event constitutes a criminal offense," Sigit said in a written statement on Friday, July 24, 2026.

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Based on the results of the case review, after a series of investigative actions, it was concluded that the reported event constitutes a criminal offense

Prior to this elevation, investigators gathered various pieces of evidence, interviewed numerous witnesses, and consulted with experts to ensure that the elements of a crime were met. "From the results of evidence collection, witness examination, and coordination with experts, investigators have obtained sufficient grounds to increase the handling of this case to the inquiry stage," Sigit added.

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From the results of evidence collection, witness examination, and coordination with experts, investigators have obtained sufficient grounds to increase the handling of this case to the inquiry stage

The investigation involved examining 35 witnesses and four reported individuals. Additionally, five experts in criminal law, linguistics, psychology, victimology, criminology, and graphology provided their insights. Witnesses included the deceased doctor's family, healthcare workers from two hospitals, patients, a doctor contacted by the deceased, and heads of the Indonesian Doctors Association (IDI) and the Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD) in North Central Timor Regency.

The four individuals reported in the case consist of three members of the North Central Timor DPRD and one civil servant within the local government. The NTT Regional Police have committed to handling the case professionally, objectively, transparently, and accountably. Doctor Icha reportedly died by suicide on June 26, 2026, allegedly due to bullying and intimidation by DPRD members days earlier. She had been receiving intensive mental health treatment prior to her death.

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NTT Regional Police are committed to handling this case professionally, objectively, transparently, and accountably