On December 3, 2024, Reog Ponorogo, a vibrant and deeply rooted traditional art form from East Java, was officially added to UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding. The announcement was made during the 19th session of the "Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage" held in Asunción, Paraguay. The momentous decision has been met with widespread celebration across Indonesia, especially from Ponorogo, the hometown of the unique art form.

Khofifah Indar Parawansa, the Governor of East Java, expressed her pride in the designation, emphasizing that this recognition affirms Reog Ponorogo as a true cultural treasure of Indonesia. "Alhamdulillah, this decision proves that Reog Ponorogo is an authentic art form from Indonesia, specifically from Ponorogo, East Java, rich in philosophy, traditions, and history," she stated. "Even when performed overseas, it will always be known as Reog Ponorogo."

The journey to UNESCO recognition has been a long and challenging one. As Khofifah explained, the acknowledgment of Reog Ponorogo is the culmination of years of effort by the people of Ponorogo, artists, and the government to preserve and promote this cultural heritage globally. "This is the result of a long-standing effort to introduce Reog to the world," she remarked.

Reog Ponorogo had already been registered as an Indonesian Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Ministry of Education and Culture in 2013, and the UNESCO listing further solidifies its international significance. With this achievement, the next step for the Ponorogo Regency government is to ensure that Reog Ponorogo continues to thrive and is protected from extinction.

Khofifah urged local authorities to continue their efforts in maintaining the art form's cultural integrity while fostering its growth and global recognition. She concluded, "The challenge now is to ensure that Reog Ponorogo remains sustainable for future generations."

This UNESCO recognition not only celebrates the artistic value of Reog Ponorogo but also highlights the importance of safeguarding intangible cultural heritage for the benefit of future generations. The recognition offers new opportunities to elevate this unique tradition on the world stage, securing its place as an enduring symbol of Indonesian culture.