FNRP XXX attracts international attention

National Reog Ponorogo Festival (FNRP) XXX, which is held as part of Grebeg Suro Ponorogo 2025, has succeeded in attracting foreign attention.

Taking place at the Ponorogo Regency Square in East Java Province on June 25, 2025, the annual cultural event was attended by tourists from various countries such as China, Japan, Europe, and America.

Two tourists from France, Patrick and Agnes, admitted to being amazed by the presentation of Ponorogo Regency's unique culture.

"The Reog is extraordinary. Very beautiful, and I love it," said Patrick while recording the performance with his cellphone.

The presence of foreign tourists is an indication that Grebeg Suro and FNRP are now starting to go global. Ponorogo Deputy Regent Lisdyarita expressed her appreciation for the lively festival this year.

"They really put on an extraordinary performance today for what was previously considered an ordinary festival. I hope that more people will comein the future, so Reog Ponorogo will be seen more by the world and Ponorogo becomes even greater," she said.

This year's FNRP was attended by around 40 Reog groups from various regions in Indonesia. On the closing night, 11 groups performed from various cities that include Surabaya, Malang, Batu, Yogyakarta, Tulungagung, and Jakarta.

One of the most attention-grabbing performance was by Universitas Brawijaya's Reyog Brawijaya group from Malang City, East Java Province. As the runner-up of FNRP XXIX last year, they have once again showed an extraordinary performance that amazed the audience and the judges.

Reyog Brawijaya's performance featured the choreography of nine singo barong masked dancers on the stage, creating a magical and thrilling atmosphere.

No less interesting is the creativity shown by other competing groups. Some inserted elements of traditional dance from their regions of origin and distinctive music that strengthened their cultural identity.

Ponorogo Regent Sugiri Sancoko admitted that he was satisfied with the organizing of FNRP XXX. He added that the event went smoothly without any major obstacles and showed progress compared to previous editions.

In addition, FNRP XXX is held alongside Youth Reog Festival (FRR) XXI, which was held on June 18-21, 2025, also as part of Grebeg Suro.

"We apologize if there are still shortcomings [in holding the festival]. But this is [part of] a process of introspection so that next year['s FNRP] could be even better," said Sugiri.

Grebeg Suro, which is held every early month of Muharram, has become a cultural icon of Ponorogo. With national attention as part of the Tourism Ministry's Karisma Event Nusantara calendar of cultural festivals and the attendance of foreign tourists, this event continues to develop into a high-value Indonesian tourist attraction.