Solo Palace Awards UMPO Rector for Cultural Dedication

UMPO.AC.ID - The Rector of the Universitas Muhammadiyah Ponorogo (UMPO), Dr. Rido Kurnianto, M.Ag., has officially received a prestigious award from the Surakarta Hadiningrat Palace as a Researcher and Preserver of Reyog Ponorogo. The award was presented directly by Gusti Kanjeng Ratu Dra. Koes Moertiyah Wandansari, M.Pd. (Gusti Moeng) and Gusti Kanjeng Pangeran Dr. Hariyo Edi Wirabumi, S.H., M.H., during a solemn ceremony attended by the Palace nobility (sentono dalem) and cultural leaders from across Indonesia.

Dr. Rido Kurnianto expressed both surprise and gratitude for the appreciation shown by the Palace. He admitted that he did not expect his academic hard work—specifically his in-depth research regarding Reyog Ponorogo—to receive such significant recognition from a major traditional institution like the Surakarta Palace.

"The Surakarta Hadiningrat Palace has expressed its appreciation for my work in the research and preservation of Reyog Ponorogo, including my contributions to the process of nominating Reyog as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). I was personally surprised when the Palace, through Gusti Moeng and Gusti Kanjeng Pangeran Hariyo Edi Wirabumi, mentioned this publicly in their speech before the nobility and artists from all over Indonesia," said Dr. Rido.

Furthermore, Dr. Rido explained that his focus has been on strengthening the scientific foundation and historical documentation of Reyog to meet the strict criteria set by UNESCO. According to him, this recognition from the Surakarta Palace serves as a morale booster for the academic world to continue safeguarding local cultural identity on the international stage. This achievement also solidifies UMPO’s strategic role in maintaining the nation's cultural dignity through research and community service.