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

Dodi Cahyo Suryono is commonly called Mas DODI, a pioneering caver in the city of Malang who has devoted almost his entire life to the world of cave exploration. A graduate of Brawijaya University, he is not merely an observer but a practitioner of how to teach someone to develop an interest in the world within the earth's depths.

Many DIAZ members have been influenced by him regarding speleological thinking. Mas Dodi began his connection with DIAZ starting in 1997. Although not recorded as an official member, his services were so great that the highest honor was given: honorary member status, which was presented to his wife as his representative.

He was generous in giving and lending caving equipment to members and the organization during exploration activities, all for the advancement of DIAZ, so that young friends could continue descending into caves and developing. The DIAZ organization grew into a "warehouse of cave explorers"—a place where prospective cavers are forged into mental maturity. From here many things were born: skills, togetherness, and a spirit that spread everywhere.

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

Mas Dodi, with simple thinking, yet always sparking thought: letting others ponder and find their own way. He often gave help without anyone knowing who received it. His smile was hidden behind unpublicized kindness. And besides that, he was full of laughter; distinctive, unexpected humor that always kept the atmosphere light.

Born on January 16, 1960, he passed away on August 24, 2021 at 07:00 am. He has returned to be cared for by the Almighty and His compassion, leaving behind his beloved wife and a child. Due to a tumor in his ear, he passed away peacefully at UB Malang Hospital.

 MEMORIES THAT REMAIN ALIVE

A brief note from Cipit Darmono, one of the DIAZ members who directly experienced his presence:

"2007 was when I first met Mas Dodik and DIAZ. After the inauguration ceremony and closing of training, I had a question in my heart: who exactly is this person? It turned out he was not an official DIAZ member, but his services to this organization were immeasurable. Even to this day, I still feel it. He was a teacher, a figure devoted to upholding cave exploration activities at DIAZ.".

From caving, many things grew. The rope access technique now used professionally at heights—rope access—90% of its methods were adopted from the SRT frog system learned while exploring caves. "The benefits are truly real," said Cipit. "I learned technique, learned to live in society, learned patience, and trained my mind to face problems. All of that is useful not only when in caves, but in daily life and the working world. That is one of the fruits of what he taught us.". Several DIAZ members, on his recommendation and support, participated in training to obtain caving instructor certificates.

Mas Dodi was a unique figure: thinking outside convention, humorous, not always teaching technique directly, but rather imparting 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 nearly closed by water. In that tense moment, Mas Dodi's words came back: "Stay calm, don't panic. Find a passage or large room, and wait until the water recedes." He followed that advice, and survived. A second experience occurred 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 that Mas Dodik had once taught him.

He was never rigid. He was brave in acknowledging that times change, that the techniques of the younger generation are now developing rapidly. "You are already far more advanced," he said. Yet still, his experience and services would never be replaced. He never demanded repayment or praise—it was enough to see his friends continue to love and develop caving, that was his happiness. Every time he returned 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 securely fastened, there we feel it: Mas Dodi is still among us.