The Reog Monument, rising 5 meters higher than Bali's iconic Garuda Wisnu Kencana Statue, has just completed its first construction phase, which began in 2023. This phase included the foundation, main structure, and the signature "lion head" panel that adorns the traditional Reog mask.
"This is an amazing step in advancing national culture, especially the Reog Ponorogo, which has been inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list," Zon said during the ceremony.
He expressed optimism that the towering monument would become a major cultural and tourism landmark in western East Java, while also serving as a milestone in Indonesia's cultural preservation efforts.
Ponorogo District Head Sugiri Sancoko said the site would also feature the Museum of Civilisation (MRMP), which will showcase ancient artifacts and the history of the Ponorogo region.
"We will develop the museum program and its digitization, as well as an exhibition on the Reog and Ponorogo civilization," he added.
Reog, a traditional dance from Ponorogo, is famed for its massive lion's head mask adorned with peacock feathers, which performers bite to hold during the performance. It was recognized as part of Indonesia’s national intangible cultural heritage in 2013 and added to UNESCO’s global list in 2024.
Once completed, the Reog Monument is expected to draw both domestic and international visitors, boosting the local economy and cementing Ponorogo’s status as a cultural epicenter.
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Translator: Destyan Sujarwoko, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Anton Santoso
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