Traditions & Communities

REOG PONOROGO

The Reog Ponorogo is a tradition performed in East Java, and in Johor by communities of Javanese descent. Reog Ponorogo traces its origins to the legend of the King Kelono Sewandono of Ponorogo, the beautiful Princess of Kediri, and a ferocious Singa Barong that protected the princess’ kindgom. The centerpiece of the Reog Ponorogo tradition is the majestic Singa Barong mask, which depicts a lion’s head elaborately decked with peacock feathers. It requires great skill and strength to wear the Singa Barong mask, which is 7 feet high and weighs around 50kg. Other prominent figures in the Reog Ponorogo performance are valiant and playful Bujang Ganong masked dancers and alluring jathilan dancers on woven horses. A Reog Ponorogo performance is accompanied by a musical ensemble consisting of gong, kenong, gendang, tipong, angklung and slompret.

kumpulan sri wahyuni

PUSAKA works closely with Kumpulan Sri Wahyuni from Parit Raja, Batu Pahat, Johor. Established in 1970, Kumpulan Sri Wahyuni are among the foremost custodians and bearers of cultural heritage and tradition among the large community of Javanese descendants in Johor, Malaysia. They are the most acclaimed masters of the majestic Reog Ponorogo tradition in Malaysia and are also masters of the Wayang Kulit Purwo and Gamelan traditions. Sri Wahyuni have performed at numerous Festivals and are often invited as the opening performance at VIP occasions. Their impressive and energetic performances never fail to draw a crowd.