The Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Davao City, Philippines, was forced to destroy Ponorogo reog which has been an asset since 1988 on 20 October 2015. The destruction by burning had to be done because Ponorogo reog was in a damaged condition and eaten by termites.
In a release received by Metrotvnews.com, Saturday (31/10/2015), the burning was not at all an attempt by the Indonesian Consulate General in Davao City to damage or eliminate Reog Ponorogo as a cultural asset. The extermination was carried out carefully and with full respect for Reog Ponorogo as a cultural asset.
The Consulate General in Davao City would like to emphasize that the burning has absolutely nothing to do with efforts to expel idols or spirits.
The Indonesian Consulate General in Davao City is currently communicating with parties in Indonesia to seek a new replacement for Ponorogo Reog.