The Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia) in Davao City, Eko Hartono admitted, the issue of burning reog art instruments was indeed carried out in Davao City, Philippines. However, the burning had to be carried out because the 30-year-old art instrument was damaged and eaten by termites.
This was explained by Eko Hartono when asked for clarification via electronic mail, as quoted via an electronic message received by Agus. In fact, in his letter to the Secretary General of the Jabodetabek Reog Association, Agus Setiyoko, the Indonesian Consul General gave the reason that the news of the burning of a number of reog art instruments by the local Consulate General staff was true.
"Mr. Eko, as the Indonesian Consul General in Davao, even said that he was grateful for being able to communicate (via e-mail) with the reog community in Indonesia, so they could ask for input for the procurement of a number of new reog art instruments there," said Agus Setiyoko.
Agus said that the reog art lovers and actors in the country still need an official and open explanation that can be read in the national media, so as not to trigger disappointment or even anger from the reog community in Indonesia.
As is known, on Sunday (11/1/2015), several news spread on a number of social media reports regarding the burning of a number of reog art properties, such as gayor, dadak peacock masks and dragon head gamelan venues in a number of online media accompanied by photos of burning peacock masks. The arson was allegedly carried out in the courtyard of a house that also serves as the Indonesian Consulate General's Office in Davao City, Philippines