Reog Ponorogo's inscription to the list was announced during the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Asunción, Paraguay, on Tuesday, December 3, 2024.
Indonesia's Permanent Delegate to UNESCO Mohamad Oemar, who led the Indonesian delegation at the session, expressed his gratitude to the Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee and all parties contributing to Reog Ponorogo's recognition.
"This recognition not only highlights Reog's artistic significance but also reaffirms our dedication to preserving Indonesia's rich cultural identity for generations to come," he noted in a statement from the Ministry of Culture received on Wednesday.
On that occasion, a video message from Indonesian Minister of Culture Fadli Zon was played, where he highlighted that Reog Ponorogo's inscription was important for Indonesia in its preservation of traditional arts and culture, which is rooted in local values and cooperation.
"The Indonesian government and local communities have undertaken efforts to document, promote, and sustain Reog Ponorogo. We aim to engage the younger generation by introducing Reog into school programs, culture workshops, and local festivals," he remarked.
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The minister also emphasized the importance of the role of the younger generation in preserving traditional arts and culture.
Meanwhile, Indonesian Ambassador to Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, Sulaiman Syarif, serving as deputy head of the Indonesian delegation, highlighted that the recognition can bolster cultural cooperation and exchange between Indonesia and its partner countries.
Reog Ponorogo is a performing art from the Ponorogo District of East Java that showcases the harmony of dance, music, and mythology.
The performing art is iconic, with its dancers wearing Dadak Merak, a tiger-head-shaped mask adorned with peacock feathers that signifies courage and the beauty of Indonesian art.
Reog is often performed at various traditional events, large celebrations, and traditional rituals.
With the inscription, Reog Ponorogo became Indonesia's 14th element in the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, following the earlier inclusion of other significant cultural traditions, such as Wayang puppet theatre, Saman dance, and Indonesian Batik.
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Translator: Putri Hanifa, Raka Adji
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
Copyright © ANTARA 2024
