Indonesia's traditional performing art Reog Ponorogo has been officially inscribed on UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding during the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage held in Asunción, Paraguay on December 3, 2024.
Director General of Diplomacy, Promotion, and Cultural Cooperation at the Ministry of Culture Endah T.D. Retnoastuti emphasized during a press conference at the National Museum in Jakarta on December 2 that the urgent safeguarding list designation opens significant opportunities to strengthen protection efforts for this tradition, with UNESCO providing special attention due to Reog's immense potential for continued development.
Culture Minister Fadli Zon described this recognition as confirming Indonesia's commitment to preserving cultural identity for future generations, stating that Reog Ponorogo reflects not just performing art but the identity, courage, solidarity, and resilience deeply rooted in Ponorogo's local values for centuries.
Originating from Ponorogo Regency in East Java, Reog Ponorogo showcases harmony between dance, music, and mythology, with its iconic performance featuring dancers wearing Dadak Merak—a tiger-head mask adorned with peacock feathers symbolizing courage and Indonesian artistic beauty—performed at traditional events, celebrations, and rituals while embodying mutual cooperation through its creative process involving artists, craftsmen, and local communities.
With this designation, Reog Ponorogo became Indonesia's 14th element on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, joining other significant traditions including Wayang puppet theatre, Saman dance, and Indonesian Batik, while the government has pledged partnership-based financing schemes supporting education, empowerment activities, and preservation efforts for traditional art communities.
