East Java Governor Calls for Strengthening Reog Ponorogo Regeneration and Ecosystem

Surabaya (ANTARA) - East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa has called on all stakeholders to strengthen the cultural ecosystem and regeneration of Reog Ponorogo, following the success of the Kyai Lodra arts team in winning the overall championship at the 31st National Reog Ponorogo Festival. “The success of the Kyai Lodra arts team is clear evidence that East Java’s traditional arts continue to possess appeal, relevance, and the highest quality amidst the dynamics of the times. Tradition is not static; it continuously transforms without losing the noble values that are its soul,” she said in Surabaya on Saturday. Khofifah stressed that the Kyai Lodra Arts Team’s achievement in bringing home the President’s Trophy is a source of pride not only for Ponorogo Regency but for the entire East Java community. According to her, this accomplishment demonstrates that traditional arts can continue to develop, adapt, and remain superior amidst changing times. She stated that Reog Ponorogo is not merely an artistic performance, but a cultural identity of East Java, rich with values of courage, resilience, mutual cooperation, creativity, and respect for ancestral heritage. Amidst globalisation and technological advancement, traditional culture is considered to have a strategic role as a marker of national identity and a source of character building for society. “Cultural preservation is not enough just by safeguarding existing heritage. We must also open wide spaces for creativity, innovation, and regeneration so that culture remains relevant, loved, and capable of answering the challenges of the times,” she asserted. Khofifah further invited the government, artists, academics, cultural communities, and the public to continue strengthening the cultural ecosystem. She noted that culture is not only a heritage asset but also has significant potential as a driver of regional development, tourism, and the creative economy. “I invite all stakeholders to continue strengthening the cultural ecosystem, expanding creative spaces for the younger generation, and making culture a strength of character as well as a force for regional development,” she said. “Let us preserve, protect, and pass on the spirit of Reog to the next generation. For within it lies the identity, character, and pride of East Java that will continue to strengthen Indonesia.” Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Kyai Lodra Arts Team, Joko Winarko, expressed gratitude for the support from the East Java Provincial Government, particularly Governor Khofifah and the East Java Culture and Tourism Office, who have provided guidance and facilities to artists. He explained that in addition to winning the overall championship at the 31st National Reog Ponorogo Festival, the Kyai Lodra team also secured awards for Best Performer, Best Music Arranger, and Best Dance Arranger. “Alhamdulillah, we managed to win the overall championship and also received awards for Best Performer, Best Music Arranger, and Best Dance Arranger. This achievement is the fruit of the hard work of all team participants and, of course, the support from various parties,” he said. Joko expressed hope that Reog Ponorogo will continue to develop as a space for artists, cultural practitioners, academics, and the younger generation to preserve, develop, and advance Indonesian art and culture as a noble and world-class heritage.