An amazing fusion of dance, music, and mythology, showcasing Indonesia's rich cultural heritage

Indonesia's traditional art has once again gained global recognition. During the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage held in Paraguay on December 3, 2024, UNESCO officially designated Reog Ponorogo as an Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) in need of urgent safeguarding. This recognition makes Reog Ponorogo the 14th cultural heritage from Indonesia to be inscribed on the UNESCO ICH list.

This UNESCO decision is the result of a proposal from the Government of the Republic of Indonesia through the Ministry of Culture. On the official Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) page of UNESCO, Reog Ponorogo is recognized as an ancient theatrical dance performance that reflects the harmony between music, dance, and mythology. This art form symbolizes the bravery, solidarity, and dedication of the people of Ponorogo, East Java, and has been passed down through generations.

The Uniqueness of Reog Ponorogo
Reog Ponorogo has strong and easily recognizable characteristics, particularly through the Dadak Merak—a large mask shaped like a tiger's head with a peacock perched on top. This performance is usually held on various occasions, such as disaster prevention ceremonies, village clean-up events, weddings, Islamic and national holidays, circumcisions, public celebrations, and the welcoming of important guests.

The Reog dancers wear costumes that represent figures like kings, military commanders, knights, and horseback warriors. The dance tells the story of the Bantarangin Kingdom and its king, showcasing bravery and local wisdom that are important parts of Ponorogo’s identity.

Moreover, Reog also symbolizes the spirit of mutual cooperation, reflected in its creative process. From mask-making to collaboration between artists, craftsmen, and local communities, all of these aspects mirror the values of solidarity that are the cultural heritage of the local people.

Challenges in Preserving Reog Ponorogo
Despite its high cultural value, the existence of Reog Ponorogo faces serious challenges. The shift in public preference towards modern entertainment, which is considered more practical and economical, has resulted in a decrease in the frequency of Reog performances. This situation requires special attention to ensure the continuity of this art form so that it remains alive amid the flow of modernization.

With Reog Ponorogo's inclusion in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, it is hoped that attention to efforts to preserve this traditional art will increase. The government and local communities are expected to continue working together to ensure that this art form is passed down to future generations.

UNESCO's recognition of Reog Ponorogo is a source of pride for all Indonesian people. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving the rich and diverse cultural heritage that reflects the nation’s identity, while also providing an opportunity to introduce Indonesia’s noble values to the world.

photo source : kiloejournalist.com/lestarikan-kesenian-reog-ponorogo

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