Wakoka.Co.Id – The demonstration was held today in Ponorogo square, Tuesday (10/11/2015), by several elements of the Ponorogo community consisting of Reyog Artists, Reyog Community, Reyog Pandemen and Ponorogo Citizens Association. This demonstration was carried out in connection with the reyog burning case at the Indonesian Consulate General in Davao, Philippines some time ago. In the demonstration, apart from giving speeches, the demonstrators also brought along several Reyog groups to enliven the action.

As previously reported, the Indonesian Consulate General in Davao on October 20, 2015 burned the Ponorogo reyog art equipment stored in the Indonesian Consulate General's building. Although the Indonesian Consulate General in Davao issued a statement that the destruction of the Ponorogo reog by burning was carried out because its condition had been damaged and eaten by termites. However, the photos that circulated virally and have even been distributed by local online media Bitung News, show that there was a certain ritual before the burning.

One of the photos also shows that before being burned, the Ponorogo reog was stored in a glass cabinet and appeared to be in good condition. Apart from the reog, in another photo, it appears that the Indonesian Consulate General in Davao removed the dragon ornaments on the gamelan set and then also burned it.

Representatives of the demonstrators were then met by PJ Regent of Ponorogo, and Chairman of the Ponorogo Regency DPRD on the 2nd floor of the Ponorogo DPRD building to convey their aspirations. Several representatives of the demonstrators then delivered a statement of attitude that strongly condemned the burning of reyog art instruments at the Indonesian Consulate General in Davao. The demonstrators also demanded the removal of the individuals involved in the incident and demanded the government through the tourism office and the Ponorogo DPRD to thoroughly investigate the case.

Responding to this, PJ Regent of Ponorogo, Ir. Maskur, MM said that the Regency Government had coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu). The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will replace the Reyog device that has been burned and is currently investigating the case through the Special Team.

Previously, the Jabodetabek Reog Community had also sent an official letter to the Indonesian Consulate General in Davao, Philippines, asking for clarification on information on the burning of reyog art instruments by Indonesian Consulate General officials.