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Ponorogo Regency

Overview

01Overview

Ponorogo Regency is an inland regency of East Java Province of Indonesia. It is considered the birthplace of Reog Ponorogo, a traditional Indonesian dance form. The regency covers an area of, and it had a population of 855,281 at the 2010 census and 949,318 at the 2020 census; the official estimate as of mid 2025 was 980,209 (comprising 486,306 males and 493,903 females).

Culture

01Culture

Sate Ponorogo Ponorogo town, generally considered the birthplace of Reog, is also known by the names City (of) Reog and City (of) Rasta. Each year in the Islamic month of Muharram, Ponorogo holds a celebration known as Grebeg Suro, "the party of the people". Grebeg Suro involves many traditional events such as the National Reog Festival, the Heritage Carnival, and the Larungan Proceedings of Prayer held at Lake Ngebel.

On 11 August, the anniversary of the founding of the Ponorogo Regency is celebrated. The day marks 11 August 1496, when Bathara Katong, the first leader of Ponorogo, went from the Old Town to the new Town of Ponorogo and crowned himself the first Duke of Ponorogo.

Ponorogo is also known for its culinary specialties such as Sate Ponorogo (grilled marinated chicken, served in peanut sauce, garnished with shredded shallots, chilli paste, and lime juice).

History

01History

According to Babad Ponorogo history, Ponorogo was founded when Bathoro Katong conquered the Wengker region. This region had previously been controlled by Suryo Ngalam Wengker. Initially, Bathoro Katong settled in modern-day Pekalongan, specifically in the village of Setono within the Jenangan District. Despite facing numerous challenges, Raden Katong, Aji Selo, and Ki Ageng Mirah and his family persevered in establishing settlements in the region.

With the consent of all parties, Bathoro Katong established the Duchy of Ponorogo on 11 August 1496. This date is commemorated as the founding of Ponorogo, supported by ancient artifacts, including a pair of stone gilangs situated in front of the fifth gate of the Batoro Katong tomb complex. The gilang depicts a human meditating, trees, an eagle, and elephants (candrasengkala gilang memet). These elements collectively symbolize the Saka year 1496.

Geography

01Geography

Ponorogo Regency is located in the southwestern part of the province of East Java on the border with Central Java province. It lies approximately south-west of Surabaya, the provincial capital of East Java. The regency lies between above sea level and covers an area of about.

02Climate

Ponorogo has 65–95% of humidity. The maximum humidity is 95% and the average humidity is 80%. The wind velocity of Ponorogo is within the range of with an average of. The temperature of this city is within the range of with an average of.