Andi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post, Makassar
At least 165 people were admitted to hospitals and clinics with suspected food poisoning in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Saturday after eating together at a neighbor's home after prayers.
Dozens were still being medically treated on Sunday.
The victims said they were poisoned "after eating at Yuddon's house" -- one of their neighbors, on Jalan Abubakar in Lambogo, Makassar.
Head of Makassar Health Agency Naisyah Tun Azikin said 165 people had received treated across 10 hospitals and clinics in Makassar and nearby Takalar regency.
"Initially the victims were treated at Bara-Baraya clinic, but were then transferred to hospitals to get better and more intensive treatment," Naisyah said.
More than 50 people were treated at Labuang Baji hospital. Others were admitted to hospitals including Wahidin Sudirohusodo, Faisal, Ibnu Sina, Stella Maris and Bhayangkara, Naisyah said.
Some patients admitted to Labuan Baji hospital received treatment while they waited in corridors due to the limited number of rooms at the hospital, she said.
All the patients reportedly suffered similar symptoms including dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach aches.
"At first, I just thought I was a little dizzy, but after vomiting several times, I suspected I was being poisoned," Samaria, one of the victims, said.
Naisyah said she believed meals offered at the prayer meeting contained a poisonous substance.
She said her office had sent samples to the forensic laboratory of South Sulawesi Police Office and to the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency for analysis.
West Makassar Police said they had questioned Yuddin and his wife, Rahmatia, and the chef about the food they served during the event.
The police had yet to determine any suspects in the case.
"We just asked them several questions in connection with the incident," head of the West Makassar police criminal unit, Adj. Comr. Ronald Sumigar said.
"Now, we are waiting for the result of investigations and examination from the forensic laboratory and the agency," he said.
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