Reog Ponorogo performing art

Inscribed in 2024 (19.COM) on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding

In Indonesia, Reog Ponorogo Performing Art is a centuries-old theatrical dance that is traditionally performed on various occasions, including disaster aversion ceremonies, village cleansing events, weddings, Islamic and national holidays, circumcisions, thanksgiving ceremonies, public festivities, and when welcoming guests. Dancers dress as kings, war commanders, knights and horse-mounted warriors to narrate the story of the Bantarangin Kingdom and its king. Reog is characterized by the Dadak Merak, a large mask resembling a tiger’s head with a peacock perched on top. For the Ponorogo community, it is a source of pride and an embodiment of cultural values. However, performances are dwindling due to an increasing preference for modern music shows, which are considered more practical and less expensive. Communities and the government have made various efforts to safeguard the practice, including by transmitting it through formal, informal and non-formal education. However, the safeguarding process has not progressed as expected, as it is increasingly difficult to find Reog masters. Furthermore, younger generations view the dance as unappealing and prefer to learn contemporary arts. As a result, there are insufficient students for the transmission of the related knowledge and skills, thereby endangering the sustainability of Reog Ponorogo Performing Art and the related crafts.