Cultural and Environmental Harmony UMPO Stands for Reyog

UMPO.AC.ID – The atmosphere of the fourth-floor auditorium at the Rectorate Building of Universitas Muhammadiyah Ponorogo (UMPO) on Thursday, December 4, 2025, witnessed a convergence of diverse perspectives on Reyog Ponorogo. During the Focused Discussion on Strengthening the Findings of the Reyog Ponorogo Ecosystem Analysis, the past, present, and future of this traditional art form were woven into a single conversation bridging culture, environment, and science.

The event, inaugurated by the Head of the Cultural Preservation Agency (BPK) Region XI, brought together various stakeholders, including the Ponorogo Regency Office of Culture, Tourism, Youth, and Sports, the East Java Natural Resources Conservation Center (BBKSDA Jatim), UMPO academics, the Reyog Ponorogo Foundation, as well as artists and community art activists. Thirty participants attended the forum, revisiting how the Reyog cultural ecosystem has been formed and maintained until today.

Researchers from BPK Region XI presented the results of their study on the Reyog Ponorogo Ecosystem and its cultural transformation journey. The in-depth presentation was met with responses from UMPO’s Rector and representatives from the Ponorogo Office of Culture, Tourism, Youth, and Sports, who highlighted the importance of cultural literacy, sustainable documentation, and research capable of capturing societal dynamics.

The discussion was lively. Participants recognized that preserving Reyog is not only about sustaining performances but also about re-examining the philosophical narratives that underpin it. Ecological values, the collective memory of the Ponorogo community, and changes in cultural living spaces emerged repeatedly as key topics.

From a conservation perspective, the East Java Natural Resources Conservation Center, through the Ponorogo Region 06 Conservation Resort, emphasized the critical role of the Green Peafowl (Pavo muticus), a protected species featured in the “dadak merak” performance. The presence of this bird illustrates that Reyog is not merely an art form but also a representation of a harmonious relationship between humans, nature, and culture.

As a wild species facing increasing threats to its population, the Green Peafowl serves as a reminder that cultural aesthetics rely on environmental sustainability. BBKSDA Jatim stressed that wildlife conservation cannot be separated from the continuity of a culture that thrives on ecological symbols.

The spirit of synergy between cultural preservation and environmental conservation was reinforced through the principle of “Cultivating Conservation and Conserving Culture.” This principle serves as a crucial foundation amid modern challenges that often move faster than the rhythms of nature and culture.

The meeting emphasized one key point: preserving Reyog also means protecting the environment that nurtures it. Cultural preservation cannot stand alone without understanding and maintaining the ecosystem that supports its continuity. This cross-institutional dialogue is expected to serve as a strong foundation for a more holistic and sustainable approach to Reyog preservation.