REOG Ponorogo is a traditional dance from Ponorogo, East Java, Indonesia, showcasing the skill and strength of the dancers who wear a huge and heavy lion mask with peacock feathers. Reog Ponorogo is also known as Barongan, and it is one of the oldest and most unique cultural performances in Indonesia.
Reog Ponorogo has a long history that dates back to the 17th century, when it was used as a symbol of resistance against the colonial rule of Mataram Sultanate. Reog Ponorogo also has a mythical origin telling the story of King Kelono Sewandono who wanted to marry Princess Songgo Langit from Kediri Kingdom.
Reog Ponorogo consists of several characters and elements, such as:
- Singo Barong, the main character who wears a lion mask with peacock feathers that can weigh up to 50 kilograms. Singo Barong represents power and leadership, and he is accompanied by two or four male dancers who help him balance the mask on his teeth.
- Bujang Ganong, a comical character who wears a red monkey mask and performs acrobatic movements. Bujang Ganong represents loyalty and bravery, and he often interacts with the audience by making jokes or teasing them.
- Warok, the leader of the Reog group who wears a black costume and a turban. Warok is a master of martial arts and spiritual power, and he often performs feats such as lifting heavy objects or eating glass¹².
- Gemblak, a young boy who wears colorful clothes and accessories. Gemblak is the disciple and companion of Warok, and he often dances with him or plays musical instruments.
- Jathil, a male dancer who dresses as a female horse rider. Jathil represents beauty and grace, and he often dances with a wooden horse or a kuda lumping.
Reog Ponorogo is usually performed in open-air stages or streets, accompanied by traditional music using instruments such as gamelan, gong, gambang, and tanjidor. It can be seen in various occasions such as weddings, circumcisions, festivals or national celebrations. Reog Ponorogo is not only a form of entertainment, but also a way of preserving the cultural heritage and identity of the Ponorogo people. (*)
