Reog Ponorogo Officially Recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

IDXChannel - Reog Ponorogo officially inscribed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. This inscription underscores Indonesia's rich cultural tapestry.

The decision was announced during the 19th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage held in Paraguay on Tuesday (3/12/2024).

Indonesia’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Ambassador Mohamad Oemar, expressed gratitude and appreciation to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee and all parties involved in the recognition process of Reog Ponorogo as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

“This recognition not only highlights the significance of Reog as an art form but also underscores the commitment to preserving Indonesia’s cultural identity for future generations,” Ambassador Oemar stated in a statement.

Indonesia's Minister of Culture Fadli Zon emphasized that the inscription of Reog Ponorogo as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding is a significant moment for Indonesia in preserving traditional arts deeply rooted in local values and the spirit of community cooperation.

“The Indonesian government, together with local communities, has undertaken various efforts to safeguard Reog Ponorogo, including documentation, promotion, and integration into formal, informal, and non-formal education. We also continue to empower the artistic community as the primary custodians of this cultural heritage,” Minister Fadli stated in a video message..

Minister Fadli also highlighted the essential role of the younger generation in maintaining traditional arts. 

“Reog Ponorogo is not merely a performance art; it embodies our identity and pride as a nation. We urge the youth to embrace, cherish, and preserve this art so that its noble values within it continue to thrive,” he added.

Indonesia's Ambassador to Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay Sulaiman Syarif expressed pride on the global recognition of Reog Ponorogo. 

“This UNESCO recognition can strengthen cultural cooperation and exchanges between Indonesia and friendly nations, not only in Latin America but worldwide,” Ambassador Sulaiman remarked.

Originating from Ponorogo, East Java, Indonesia, Reog Ponorogo is a performing art that harmoniously blends dance, music, and mythology. The iconic Reog Ponorogo performance, featuring the performer carrying the Dadak Merak—a tiger head-shaped mask adorned with peacock feathers, stands as a symbol of Indonesian artistry and bravery. 

With this designation, Reog Ponorogo becomes Indonesia’s 14th Intangible Cultural Heritage inscribed by UNESCO. Other previously recognized heritages include Wayang, Keris, Batik, Batik Training, Angklung, Saman Dance, Noken, Three Genres of Traditional Balinese Dance, Pinisi Boatbuilding Art, Pencak Silat, Pantun, Gamelan, and Jamu Drinking Culture. (Wahyu Dwi Anggoro)