Pak Daman, 83, is no longer in the physical condition he once had. His face has become severely swollen, his eyesight is increasingly blurred, his hearing has weakened, and every step he takes is slow and painful. Yet despite his deteriorating health, he continues to work every day, sitting by the roadside to sell small amounts of produce in order to survive.

According to people close to him, Pak Daman’s condition began with a small lump on his temple. At first, it was considered harmless, so he did not seek medical attention. Over time, however, the lump grew larger and larger until it covered a significant portion of his face. Along with the swelling came intense pain that often made his head feel as though it were being pierced, causing his body to shake whenever the pain surged.

At an age when most people would be resting at home, Pak Daman instead leaves his house daily with bananas, cassava, and vegetables to sell. With unsteady steps, he walks to the roadside early in the morning and remains there until late at night. His hope is simple: to sell enough goods to collect small amounts of money that could eventually be used for treatment.

Because he has no proper place to rest, Pak Daman often falls asleep on pieces of cardboard laid out beside his merchandise. Even on days when the pain becomes unbearable, he continues to sit there until midnight. He worries that leaving early would mean returning home without any income at all.

“I have to keep selling. If I don’t, I have no money for treatment,” he said softly while holding his face.

This brief statement reflects the difficult reality Pak Daman faces. His words are not a complaint, but an expression of necessity. They show a man who understands his physical limits yet feels trapped by circumstances. The quiet tone of his voice suggests resignation rather than hope, highlighting how survival has become his primary concern, even as his health continues to decline.

Over the years, Pak Daman has sold his only small rice field. Any valuables he once had are gone. These sacrifices were made simply to continue living day by day. Now, however, he finds himself overwhelmed. His daily earnings are often no more than 30 thousand, an amount that is far from sufficient to cover basic living expenses, let alone medical care.

Many days, Pak Daman returns home empty-handed, exhausted after spending hours sitting on the roadside. With no remaining assets and limited physical strength, he endures his situation in silence, relying solely on his determination to survive.

His story highlights the harsh reality faced by many elderly individuals who continue to work despite serious health challenges. It raises broader questions about access to healthcare, social support for senior citizens, and the invisible struggles of those who live on the margins of society.