Become A Cultural Icon, Reog Ponorogo Is Ready To Go Worldwide Through The Highest Monument In Indonesia

The progress of the construction of the 126-meter-high Reog Monument in Ponorogo, East Java, has reached 94 percent. The monument, which is designed to become a cultural icon, is predicted to exceed the height of Garuda Wisnu Kencana in Bali.

The Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Fadli Zon, Monday (11/8), directly inspected the installation of a panel ofaurk heads at the height of the monument. This visit also emphasized the government's commitment to follow up on the determination of Reog Ponorogo as UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage with real action, not just a ceremony.

Reog is part of the megadiversity of Indonesian culture and must become the foundation of the nation's identity in the global era. Creativity, mutual cooperation, and synergy of all parties are important to protect its ecosystem, from the production of masks to the role of the art community," said Fadli.

This monument and museum were built in the former limestone mine of Sampung Village since March 11, 2023. The design, the results of the competition of the East Java Indonesian Architects Association, was worked on by a young architect from Tabanan, Bramana Ajasmara Putra. The Java vernacular architecture approach is promoted to combine natural air circulation, lighting, and environmental harmony.

Fadli is optimistic that Reog Ponorogo will be increasingly known to the world. "We have to develop through festivals, social media, and various platforms. This development is an extraordinary breakthrough that can be an example for other regions," he said.

The Regent of Ponorogo, Sugiri Sancoko, said that the development was carried out with the provincial, district and private governments. He also opened a transit museum in front of the digitan to collect and digitize Reog historical artifacts so that the younger generation understands the cultural roots in a liter manner, not just legends.

This monument was built at a strategic point with heights that made it visible from various directions. When completed, MRMP is expected to become a cultural tourism magnet, a symbol of pride, and a driving force for Ponorogo's creative economy in the global arena.