REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, MAKASSAR -- An 11-year-old child, Radika, died after she was trampled in an open-house gathering at the residence of Vice President-elect Jusuf Kalla on Tuesday.
"She fell and was trampled while the people were jostling," stated Hawiah, a family member.
Thousands of people congregated during an open-house gathering held at Jusuf Kalla's residence since morning to greet "Happy Idul Fitri" to the region's national community figure and to get donations in the form of money. Muslims are required to pay alms on Idul Fitri.
"We get a box of food and Rp50 thousand bill," one of the people remarked.
Besides Radika, some others were hospitalized for injuries they suffered due to the stampede.
Makassar city mayor expressed regret over the incident and, along with Jusuf Kalla and his family, conveyed their deepest condolences to the victim's family.
"This is an incident. Let us be patient," he noted.
On the occasion of Idul Fitri, public officials or community figures often hold an open-house gathering to exchange greetings.
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