Indonesian man lives for 40 years in cave

The cave is located deep in the jungle in Sumberjo village near Mojokerto City, according to online news website Detikcom.

To reach the cave, visitors must take a 35-minute motorbike ride along a narrow, steep and slippery dirt trail and walk down a 50-meter slope; or go on a nearly two-hour trek through the forest.

It sits on a high mountain ravine, with a stream flowing from Anjasmoro peak in front. The terrain forms a natural barrier that completely isolates him from the outside world.

Entrance to a natural cave in Indonesia. Photo by Pixnio

Sudarmaji said he is originally from Boyolali Regency in Java Province but refused to speak about why he chose this secluded life.

The cave has no electricity, internet or other modern facilities. The main chamber is about 35 square meters, and has an old mattress for him to sleep and a mat for visitors to sit. There is a simple wood stove. vA narrow passage leads to a meditation space with two statues and offerings.

For drinking and other daily water needs, he relies entirely on rainwater seeping from the cave walls, which he collects in buckets placed throughout the cave.

Though living in isolation, Sudarmaji maintains some contact with society. He raises chickens, collects wild vegetables and sometimes receives food from visitors or rides his old motorbike to the village to buy necessities.

Tarmidi, a local forestry officer, said Sudarmaji began living in the cave around 1983.

The head of a local village believes he may have lived there for 50 to 60 years.

Tarmidi said a village woman used to help Sudarmaji, but after she died, he continued living in the cave.

Sudarmaji’s life in the cave has gained attention after a video of him went viral on social media.

Viewers expressed surprised at the way he lives and concern about his health and safety at this age.