Transforming Policy into Practice: Reog Arts Teacher Training in Ponorogo

Preserving local culture through the formal education system is a crucial strategy in shaping national character and identity from a young age. However, the implementation of regional policies such as Ponorogo Regent Regulation Number 35 of 2024 concerning Extracurricular Education for Reog Ponorogo at the Elementary School Level still faces obstacles, particularly in terms of teacher readiness at the elementary school level. This study addresses these shortcomings by designing and implementing arts and culture teacher training aimed at improving technical and pedagogical competencies in teaching Reog Ponorogo. The activity took place over four days at the Ponorogo Reog Hall, involving 30 teachers from all sub-districts in Ponorogo Regency, in collaboration with the Reog Foundation and the Education Office. Pre-test and post-test results showed a significant increase in participants' understanding of the basic elements of Reog, supported by participatory observation and in-depth interviews. The uniqueness of this activity lies in the integration of a participatory training model based on local culture with a collaborative, inter-sectoral approach (penthahelix), which is still rarely applied in the context of implementing traditional arts policies in elementary schools. This activity contributes directly to the preservation of local culture through education, and also provides a training model that can be applied in other areas with similar contexts.