Gorga Simeol-Meol

North Sumatra Province - Indonesia

Meanings:

Gorga Simeol-meol is a motif consisting of plant tendrils. It is regarded as a symbol of joy, as well as prayer for health and longevity. This motif also symbolizes the hope of gaining a lot of children to maintain the offspring lineage. The filler motifs reflect solidarity, integrity to one’s promises, and mutual cooperation for the common interest, which is the code of ethics of the Batak community.

Note:  All contents and batik images are protected by Indonesian cultural property law. This documentation is intended for educational purposes and to facilitate the preservation of Batik UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage 2009. Any use of published materials is allowed only with reference to this website as the original source of publication. 

How to preserve Batik

Philosophical Meanings of Batik

Learn and identify the meaning of the motifs from each region. Are you searching for a meaningful gift for your loved ones? Surprise them with a merry little Batik!

Authentic Batik

Buy the authentic handwritten Batik textiles to add to your prestigious collection. Such support will enhance the well-being of Batik artisans and preserve the living heritage.

Batik Community

If you want to meet the Batik artisans, we encourage you to visit and support Batik workshops in Indonesia. You may discover the local tourism that suits your preference!

UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009

Batik Production Process in North Sumatra

Batik production can take 1 month up to 2 years of working time depending on the purposes of the textile creation and the colour complexity. The Batik handwriting textile is generally made with 8 design steps, ranging from wax patterning to colouring process. The artists use Canting, as a tool to put hot melted wax on the cloth. 

Batik Regions 

Overview of North Sumatra Province

North Sumatra is known for its natural landscape, UNESCO natural biosphere of Lake Toba, and living heritage. The acculturation of Hindu, Islam and western culture is reflected in the local living tradition, architecture and traditional dances. 

Batik Villages in North Sumatra Province

Batik villages are the region where the Batik producers mostly reside and open their  Batik workshops, as well as display their Batik products. You could buy the Batik textiles from the artisans and participate in the making process of Batik on the site.

Other Motifs in North Sumatra

North Sumatra 

Tourism

Maria Annai Velangkani Catholic Church

The unique church building was made for and by Catholics of Tamil Indian descendants in

Al Mashun Historical Mosque of Medan

This mosque was built during the reign of Sultan Ma’mun Alrasyid Perkasa Alam in

Floating Batak House

The boat tours that adopt the concept of floating Batak house. With this boat,

Samosir Island – Toba Lake 

This place is an ancient village that exudes a unique culture of the Batak ethnic group

 

Discover

Indonesian

Tourism

Baiturrahman Historical Grand Mosque

The Grand Mosque of Aceh was built in 1612 during the reign of

Besakih Temple

Besakih Temple is regarded as Bali’s ‘Mother temple’ – a grand

Historical Grand Mosque of Palembang

Grand Mosque of Palembang, founded in 1738, has a distinctive blend of three cultures,

Cian Cui Festival

Cian Cui Festival is originally an annual tradition of the Chinese descendants in

Samosir Island – Toba Lake 

This place is an ancient village that exudes a unique culture of the Batak ethnic group

At Taqwa Grand Mosque

Bengkulu also offers spiritual tourism with historical nuances and

Imogiri Royal Cemetery

You may think that cemeteries are not the perfect spot to visit if you are on vacation?

Setu Babakan – Betawi Cultural Village

This place will make you know and appreciate some cultural heritage of

East Java House of Batik

Do you want to see all variants of Batik motifs in East Java?

Kemaro Buddhist Shrine

The island is famous for its legendary love stories like Romeo and Juliet,