DODI CAHYO SURYONO: A Cave Lover Who Gave His Life to Caving Enthusiasts in Malang. A Loyalty to the End.

Dodi Cahyo Suryono, usually called Mas DODI, was a pioneering caver in the city of Malang who devoted almost his entire life to the world of cave exploration. A graduate of Universitas Brawijaya, he was not merely an observer; he was a practitioner who knew how to awaken in others an interest in the world inside the belly of the earth.

DIAZ members were greatly influenced by his thinking on speleology. Mas Dodi first came into contact with DIAZ in 1997. Although he was never registered as an official member, his services were so great that the highest honor was given to him: the status of honorary member, which was handed to his wife in his place.

He was never stingy about giving and lending caving equipment to members and to the organization during exploration activities, all for the advancement of DIAZ, so that the young members could keep descending into caves and keep developing. The DIAZ organization grew into the "warehouse of cave explorers", a place where aspiring cavers are forged into mentally mature people. From here many things were born: skills, togetherness, and a spirit that spread everywhere.

Mas Dodi was not the type of person who was good at presenting a long paper. He spoke more through action. His caving knowledge was directly nurtured by dr. Robby Ko King Tjoen (often known as dr. Ko), a legendary figure who was honored as the Father of Indonesian Speleology.

Mas Dodi had a simple way of thinking, yet it always sparked thought: he let others reflect and find their own way. Often he gave help without anyone knowing who the recipient was. His smile was tucked behind kindnesses that were never publicized. And besides that, he was full of laughter; his distinctive, unexpected humor always kept the atmosphere relaxed.

Born on 16 January 1960, he passed away on 24 August 2021 at 07:00 am, returning to the care of the Most Caring and Most Loving. He left behind his beloved wife and a child. Due to a tumor in his ear, he passed away peacefully at RS UB Malang.

 MEMORIES THAT LIVE ON

A short note from Cipit Darmono, a DIAZ member who experienced his presence firsthand:

"In 2007 I first got to know Mas Dodik and DIAZ. After the induction ceremony and the closing of the training, I wondered to myself: who exactly is this man? It turned out he was not an official member of DIAZ, yet his services to this organization are immeasurable. Even to this very moment, I still feel them. He was a teacher, a figure who devoted himself to upholding cave exploration activities at DIAZ.".

Many things have grown from caving. The rope access technique now used professionally at height, with 90% of its methods adopted from the SRT frog system learned while exploring caves. "The benefits are truly real," said Cipit. "I learned technique, learned to get along with people, learned patience, and trained my mentality in facing problems. All of that is useful not only in caves, but in daily life and in the working world. That is one of the fruits of what he taught.". Several DIAZ members, on his recommendation and with his support, took part in training to obtain caving instructor certificates.

Mas Dodi was a unique figure: he thought outside the box, was humorous, and did not always teach techniques directly, instead entrusting many tricks and guidance through conversation and example. One of his pieces of advice once saved Cipit's life. While exploring Goa Banyu in South Malang, Cipit was the group coordinator, and suddenly they were trapped by a flood. The entrance was almost covered by water. In that tense moment Mas Dodi's words came back: "Stay calm, don't panic. Find a passage or a spacious chamber, and wait until the water recedes." He followed that advice, and survived. The second experience happened in Yogyakarta, during cave exploration training. A flash flood came suddenly; for four hours he was trapped under a waterfall. He survived, thanks to the tricks and guidance Mas Dodik had once taught.

He was never rigid. He dared to admit that times change and that the techniques of the younger generation are now developing rapidly. "You are already far more advanced," he said. Even so, his experience and services can never be replaced. He never demanded repayment or praise; simply seeing his friends continue to love and develop caving was his happiness. Every time they came home from a cave, he was always there: asking, listening enthusiastically, occasionally slipping in stories of his own experiences.

He has gone forever, but his spirit continues to flow, like water that always finds a way. And every time we descend into a cave, every time a rope is firmly rigged, there we feel it: Mas Dodi is still among us.