Blora and Ponorogo sign pact to support UNESCO bid for Barongan
Blora is seeking recognition for its traditional performing art through a proposed extension of Reog Ponorogo’s UNESCO listing.
Indonesia’s Blora and Ponorogo regency governments signed a cooperation agreement on 16 October 2026 to support the preservation of Barongan Blora and its proposed bid for UNESCO intangible cultural heritage recognition.
Blora Regent Arief Rohman and acting Ponorogo Regent Lisdyarita signed the memorandum at the Ponorogo regent’s official residence. The proposal seeks recognition through the USL Extension route linked to Reog Ponorogo, which has already received UNESCO recognition.
Arief said Blora wanted its performing art recognised as part of the same cultural family as Reog Ponorogo. He requested Ponorogo’s support for the application and said the effort was also intended to prevent other regions from claiming the tradition.
Lisdyarita said Ponorogo was ready to share its experience and help with the application process. She also expressed hope that younger people would take greater interest in local culture and that cooperation between the regencies could extend to small businesses and other areas.
Reog Ponorogo artists also backed the proposed extension. Performances of Reog Ponorogo and Barongan Blora followed the signing, while a UNESCO assistance team recorded statements of support from Ponorogo officials and artists for inclusion in the application documents.
