UMPO s 59th Graduation Celebrated with Spectacular Reyog Performance

UMPO.AC.ID – The performance of Reyog by UKM Simo Budi Utomo added a vibrant and ceremonial touch to the 59th Graduation Ceremony of Universitas Muhammadiyah Ponorogo (UMPO), while also reinforcing UMPO’s identity as “The Reyog University.”

The Reyog performance featured colorful costumes, heavy Barong lion masks, and mesmerizing peacock feathers. The dancers demonstrated remarkable skill in maneuvering the heavy masks, performing dynamic movements, and conveying the rich cultural symbolism of Ponorogo. The performance was not merely entertainment; it reflected the values of courage, perseverance, and pride in cultural heritage.

The graduating students, who dominated the procession, were the center of attention, highlighting the academic achievements and quality of education at UMPO. Warm applause from faculty, parents, and guests enhanced the heartfelt and ceremonial atmosphere of the graduation.

With the title “The Reyog University,” UMPO not only produces high-achieving graduates but also instills a love for local culture. The Reyog performance served as a reminder that education and culture can go hand in hand, shaping graduates who are not only intelligent but also culturally aware.

The 59th graduation reaffirmed UMPO’s position as a university excelling academically while serving as a guardian and preserver of Ponorogo’s traditional Reyog art.

For reference, UMPO held the 59th Graduation Ceremony for postgraduate, undergraduate, and diploma students, totaling 1,109 graduates. The event was conducted in two sessions on the morning and afternoon of October 25, 2025. During the second session at the UMPO Expotorium, the ceremony was attended by the Minister of Education and Culture, Abdul Mu’ti.