In addition to the fatalities, many others fainted during the event. The deceased victims were identified as VA (8), a resident of Sukamentri Village, Garut Kota District; Dewi Jubaedah (61); and Bripka Cecep Saeful Bahri (39).

VA’s mother stated she was unaware of her daughter’s whereabouts during the incident.

“I was selling food and didn’t know my daughter was in line. She usually plays with other vendors’ children there. It was overcrowded, and she was only 8 years old,” said Mela on Friday.

Mela explained that her daughter slipped away while waiting in line and playing with other children at the location.

“She was already cold and swollen; she had passed away by the time we found her,” she added.

An eyewitness vendor at Garut Square, Neulis, described how the dense crowd made the situation uncontrollable despite security personnel being present. She helped evacuate children trapped near the front area of Kimia Farma.

“Many fainted. I helped rescue children stuck in the extremely crowded area near Kimia Farma. The gate was opening and closing slightly—maybe the child got dragged when it opened,” she explained.

Neulis stated that VA’s condition was the most severe among the victims.

“I passed by the side, but my sister ran to help this mother’s child, who was in worse condition. When we checked, she was already gone,” said Neulis.

Reports indicate that crowds had been gathering since 8:00 AM to queue for the distribution of 5,000 meal portions as part of the wedding celebration. Information about the free meals had spread on social media, including TikTok, drawing thousands of attendees.

The wedding celebration for Maula Akbar, son of Dedi Mulyadi, and Luthfianisa, daughter of Metro Jaya Regional Police Chief Inspector General Karyoto, ended in chaos. The incident occurred during the entertainment and free food distribution at Garut Square and the Garut Regency Hall, resulting in three deaths.

In a statement, West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi expressed condolences and pledged compensation of Rp150 million to each victim’s family for funeral expenses and educational support.

“With utmost respect, we are providing Rp150 million in condolences to each family. This is a gesture of empathy from the bride and groom. We deeply apologize for this incident and take full responsibility,” said Dedi.

Garut Square

Garut Square, located in the heart of Garut, West Java, Indonesia, is a historic public space that has served as a central gathering point since the Dutch colonial era. It is surrounded by landmarks such as the Alun-Alun Garut (town square) and the iconic Masjid Agung Garut (Great Mosque of Garut), reflecting the town’s cultural and religious heritage. Today, it remains a vibrant hub for community events, markets, and leisure activities.

Kimia Farma

Kimia Farma is a historic Indonesian pharmaceutical company, established in 1817 during the Dutch colonial era as a small pharmacy in Batavia (now Jakarta). It later expanded into a state-owned enterprise and became a key player in Indonesia’s healthcare industry, producing medicines and medical supplies. Today, Kimia Farma is one of the country’s largest pharmaceutical companies, operating hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies nationwide.

Garut Regency Hall

Garut Regency Hall, located in Garut, West Java, Indonesia, serves as the administrative center for the local government. Built during the Dutch colonial era, the hall reflects colonial architectural influences and remains a significant historical and political landmark in the region. Today, it symbolizes Garut’s cultural heritage while functioning as a hub for governance and public services.