The Story of Reog PonorogoReog is one of the local cultures in Indonesia and is still thick with the smell of things mystical and powerful. The Reog dates back during the Hindu period in East Java.
The story is related with the legend kingdom in Ponorogo (+/- 70 km South East of Solo. The powerful King Kelono Sewandono of Ponorogo Kingdom was famous with his fighting skills and magical power, accompanied by his Patih (Prime Minister) Bujanganom & his strong soldiers were attacked by King Singabarong, The King of Lions of Kediri Jungle, supported by his army, consisted of Lions and Peacocks. At that time the Ponorogo's group were on the way to The Kingdom of Kediri guarding King Kelono Sewandono to marry Dewi Ragil Kuning, a princess of Kediri Kingdom. There was a big fight between mighty warriors having magical power. The peacocks flew up and down flapping their wings to support The Lions – Singa Barong. Bujanganom with his magic whip, supported by some Waroks in black traditional dress defeated The King Lion with all his followers. The King of Ponorogo and his soldiers merrily continued their way to Kediri on horse back. Singa Barong joint the procession The Peacocks kept close to Singa Barong opened their tail feathers which looked like beautiful fan.
Until now, people in Ponorogo keep their heritage as a very rich cultural inheritance. And the beautiful dance of Reog still the main tourism attract in Ponorogo. The dance become extracurricular for student at schools and usually perform in special occasions. The Reog Ponorogo also perform annually every Suro ( Moslem's new year eve )at the main hall of Ponorogo.
