Blora teams up with Ponorogo to back Barongan UNESCO bid
The filing will go through an extension of Reog Ponorogo, backed by recorded support from artists to complete the dossier.
The Blora Regency Government teamed up with the Ponorogo Regency Government to push Barongan Blora onto UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage from Indonesia. The agreement was signed by Blora Regent Arief Rohman and Acting Ponorogo Regent Lisdyarita at Pringgitan, the official residence of the Ponorogo regent, on Friday (16/10). Blora is taking the Urgent Safeguarding List Extension route from Reog Ponorogo, which is described as belonging to the same cultural lineage as barongan. Arief Rohman said the move was being accelerated so Barongan Blora could be submitted first and not claimed by another region. Lisdyarita said Ponorogo was ready to help with the process and share its experience in submitting Reog. After the signing, a Reog Ponorogo and Barongan Blora performance was held, while the UNESCO assistance team recorded statements of support from local governments and artists as part of the submission materials.