The annual Grebeg Suro 2025 event received praise from various parties. Thousands of spectators poured into the Ponorogo Square from the beginning to the end of the event, which took place on Tuesday (June 17, 2025) evening.
Audience members came not only from Ponorogo but also from various regions in Indonesia and abroad.
A visitor from Medan, Ali Husin (49), said he had come all the way from North Sumatra to watch the Reog Ponorogo performance at Gregeg Suro 2025.
“I came on purpose because I was only able to do it this year. Reog Ponorogo is famous even in Medan. It has characteristics similar to Chinese lion dances, but it’s authentic Javanese tradition, so it has a unique spirit that’s rare,” he said when met at the location.
He expressed pride in the world-renowned Reog Ponorogo art form. Therefore, he supports its submission as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity to UNESCO.
Ali also hopes that similar events will continue to be held in Ponorogo to preserve Indonesia’s traditional culture. He believes similar events should also be held in other regions, highlighting their respective distinctive arts.
“Hopefully, as a great nation, we can revive our ancestral culture, like the Reog Ponorogo in Ponorogo. So, Ponorogo has an ancestral culture that can be appreciated. Appreciating culture means appreciating the ancestral heritage of Indonesia,” he said.
A traditional feel was evident in the gamelan music that accompanied the region’s traditional dances. This included the Reog Ponorogo performance, which successfully captivated thousands of spectators in front of the stage.
Meanwhile, a modern feel was conveyed by the stage decorations, which included dynamic and futuristic video mapping highlights. The stage was also adorned with attractive digital lighting installations that followed the tension of the music and dance throughout the performance.*man
