Case of Intimidation of Doctor Icha: PDIP Deactivated Veronika Lake, Member of the TTU DPRD

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) has deactivated its cadre who is also a member of the North Central Timor (TTU) Regency DPRD, Veronika Lake because he was suspected of participating in intimidating Eliza Princila Utami Pakaenoni or doctor Icha (27) until he was found dead from hanging.

"The DPC (PDIP) deactivated him during the legal process at the police," said Chairman of the DPP PDIP Andreas Hugo Pareira to reporters at the parliament complex, Senayan, Jakarta, Tuesday, June 30.

Andreas said Veronika and two other members of the TTU DPRD who were suspected of intimidating the late doctor Icha had been summoned by the police for questioning.

PDIP, said Andreas, will respect and wait for the legal process to decide on the next steps against Veronika who is a cadre.

Andreas explained that in addition to deactivating Veronika, the DPD PDIP of North Central Timor Regency had also sent a letter regarding the handling of the case to the DPP PDIP.

The letter, according to Andreas, will be a reference for the DPP PDIP in making decisions regarding the status of the DPRD member.

Andreas was not ready to reveal the sanctions that would be imposed, including the possibility of dismissing Veronika as a cadre.

"We can't punish people if there is no (evidence). Because this is a suspicion, whether there is a relationship between one event and another. It's different from the murder case, it's direct (fired)," he said.

Previously, Veronika Lake denied being involved in the alleged intimidation of doctor Icha who was on duty at the Leona Hospital, TTU, East Nusa Tenggara. He emphasized that his presence at the hospital was only to visit.

Veronika explained that on June 13, 2026, she attended a wife's arisan activity for members of the TTU DPRD in Insana District. After the event, he returned to Kefamenanu with two other members of the DPRD and a wife of a member of the DPRD.

In the middle of the journey, a member of the DPRD, Therensius Lazakar, invited the entourage to stop by the Leona Hospital to visit his nephew who was being treated at the emergency installation (IGD) after being bitten by a poisonous snake.

"My presence at the hospital was not a previously planned visit. I went to visit because I happened to come home with the group," Veronika said in her clarification statement, Sunday, June 29.

When entering the room, Veronika said the debate between two DPRD members and a doctor had already taken place. He admitted that he only saw the condition of the patient and asked about the follow-up of the medical treatment provided, not to intimidate.

"I convey my condolences for the death of Dr. Icha," he said.