Angin Cave, Kombeng: Traces of the Kutai Martadipura Legacy
Angin Cave in Kombeng, East Kutai, is a natural limestone cave that holds both spiritual and historical value. To reach this hidden site, travelers must take a four-hour journey from Sangatta to Kombeng District, specifically to Liah Bing Village. The route passes through rural landscapes, dense forests, and oil palm plantations. The final stretch of the trip is quite challenging, with rocky and uneven roads, but the serene scenery and fresh air make the effort worthwhile. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by a tranquil natural setting surrounded by lush greenery and the gentle sound of the forest.
The cave’s entrance
The cave’s entrance opens into a cool, dark chamber filled with the echoes of dripping water and the fluttering wings of bats. Inside, visitors can see magnificent stalactite and stalagmite formations that have taken thousands of years to form. Some of these formations are still alive, meaning they continue to grow slowly through the steady dripping of mineral-rich water. Others, however, have stopped growing or been damaged — often due to changes in water flow, humidity, or human activity.
Angin Cave served as a Hindu place
Historically, Angin Cave served as a Hindu place of worship during the time of the Kutai Martadipura Kingdom, Indonesia’s oldest Hindu kingdom. Three stone statues (arca) believed to represent Shiva, Ganesha, and a devotee were once discovered here and later moved to the Mulawarman Museum in Tenggarong for preservation. Today, small shrines draped in yellow and white fabrics still remain inside the cave, symbolizing purity and holiness. Sadly, some parts of the cave walls have been defaced with graffiti and carvings made by local visitors.
Horseshoe Bats
Despite these damages, Angin Cave continues to embody a rare harmony between nature, history, and spirituality. Colonies of Hipposideros diadema (large diadem horseshoe bats) inhabit the dark chambers, and if lucky, visitors might spot the cave racer snake (Elaphe taeniura ridleyi), a harmless species that preys on bats. With its deep cultural significance and living ecosystem, Angin Cave stands as a powerful reminder of East Kalimantan’s ancient legacy. Let us all join hands in protecting and preserving this sacred historical cave so that its natural beauty and cultural value endure for generations to come.