"We should all be proud of Ponorogo's efforts to achieve UCCN (UNESCO Creative Cities Network status)," Indonesian Executive Committee for ICCN East Java Region Vicky Arief Herinadharma said here on Wednesday.
He added that he is optimistic about the new target set by the Ponorogo district government considering the city’s unique culture of reog.
"We will continue to provide assistance and support through our network of 240 creative districts/cities. We have done so for the succession of Bandung, Pekalongan, Ambon, and Jakarta, to become part of the UNESCO network world creative cities," he said.
According to him, Ponorogo is competing against Bantul District, Yogyakarta, and Surakarta, Central Java, for the UCCN "City of Craft and Folk Art" nomination.
Meanwhile, Bitung City in North Sulawesi, and Salatiga, Central Java, are competing for the title of “Gastronomy City”, and Depok, West Java, for the “City of Media.”
"Ponorogo District already has the status of a creative city (nationally). Of course, it will enter UCCN soon. We invite all communities to participate in realizing its entry into UCCN," he said.
Ponorogo District Head Sugiri Sancoko said his administration will implement policies that can provide solutions to the challenges faced in the achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) by developing the potential of local creativity and cultural performing art reog.
Currently, the district government has implemented Circle-P, a collaborative work model that involves regional governmental apparatus organizations (OPDs) and community organizations.
Circle-P aims to promote economic equality by upgrading the creative economy potential at the local level to the national and international levels.
Related news: Reog Ponorogo: KSP to oversee intangible cultural heritage bid
Translator: Sujarwoko, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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