Cultural Destination

Embrace the spirit of the place!

Surabaya City of Heroes

Surabaya Metropolitan Landscape (photo: Ivan Consigliere, Wikipedia)

The Monument of Heroes (photo: Traveloka)

Surabaya City of Heroes

Surabaya is the capital of East Java province. It is a vibrant and active metropolis with a lot of history and traditions. Modern skyscrapers mingle with historic buildings from the time of Dutch colonization. This city is known as the “City of Heroes” in commemoration of the great struggle mounted by soldiers and civil fighters in the Great Battle against Dutch Colonialists on 10 November 1945. The city also has unique religious architectural heritages scattered in the city. In addition to the magnificent Buddhist and Hindu temples in the city center, you will find historical mosques that assimilate Chinese and Arabic architecture, such as the Cheng Ho Mosque and Ampel Denta Mosque.

Cultural Tourism Destination

Surabaya City of Heroes

Tourist Attractions in East Java

East Java

Batik Motifs

Sekar Jati

Sekar means flower and Jati refers to teak trees that symbolizes a strong mental character that

Gajah Mungkur

Semantically, it means a huge longing emotion trapped in the

Gedhog Kembang Waluh

a combination of Javanese cultural motif of the Majapahit kingdom (XII-XIV century) with

Samudra

This art painting means to be strong-willed person to pursue

 

Discover

Indonesian

Batik

Motifs

Malinau Cultural Festival

You will witness a unique competition that might not be found other than in

Biji Kopi

The coffee seeds motif illustrates the pride of local coffee specialities in

Dayak Taghol

Dayak Taghol has a distinctive style of four curved lines and small dots. This motif represents

Kerawang Tegak Aceh

The Vertical Upright (Kerawang Tegak) Motif symbolizes a person who has a strong

Gurdo Solo

Gurdo or garuda bird is the mount of the Indian god Vishnu. As the Sun Bird,

Parang Rusak

Another meaning behind this motif is an unconquerable spirit, symbolized by

Bunga Raye

Raye Flower motif also represents a wish for

Mega Mendung

Mega Mendung signifies the cloud. This motif means to stay

Sinaran

This pattern originates from Cirebon. It represents the reflection of

Tabir Tanjung

Tanjung flower is a type of Cherry tree flower, which is commonly found in

Dayak Kamang

Kamang motif is generally found in the Dayak tribe shield because it is believed to

Tidayu

The name of this motif is the acronym of three ethnics namely,

Abimanyu Prince

This motif implies a hope that the wearer will have the wisdom of

Ake Patra

Ake is related to the divinity and the composition of the universe. It is a symbol of

Sekomandi

Its philosophical meaning is the eternal union which refers to a saying “until death do us part”

Kuda Sepasang

For the people of Kupang, having a strong horse is a matter of

Sandeq

Sandeq Boat is a symbol of the maritime importance of the West Sulawesi region. The greatness of

Pintu Aceh

The motif is inspired by Aceh’s traditional architecture that has

Kamaro Timika

This motif is inspired by sacred symbols of Kamaro communities in

Manguni Minahasa

Manguni is identified as the symbol of the Minahasa people. Manguni is known as a

Kerawang Datar

This motif symbolizes the embodiment of of religious values for

Gonggong Siput

Gonggong (Strombus Turturella) is one type of sea snail found around

Pala Salawaku

This motif illustrates the unique weapons of the Maluku region, namely

Leuit Sijimat

This motif reflects the daily activities of the Baduy tribe in Banten. The main ornaments of batik motif consist of:

Daun Lada Hitam

The black pepper motif represents the main commodity of Bangka Belitung

Salakanagara

Salakanagara batik motif illustrates the first kingdom in the Betawi land

Asmat Papua

The batik motif illustrates the Asmat’s sacred tribal motifs that are

Wakatobi

It symbolizes the coastal beauty of the Wakatobi island and the symbol of Patra symbolizes

Desa Na Ualu

The Gorga motif of Ualu Village is the symbol of the eight cardinal

Paqbarre Allo

The word “Barre” means round and “Allo” means the sunlight. This motif is interpreted as

Gorga Simeol-Meol

The Gorga Simeol-meol is a pattern of plant tendrils. it is regarded as a symbol of longevity and

Wirasat

Wirasat or divine inspiration is a gift from God. This inspiration is symbolized by

Bultiya

The word ‘Bultiya’ is an acronym of the three major tribes in North Kalimantan, namely

Karawo Pinang

Pinang refers to the Palm areca tree. This motif is considered as the original

Lok Baintan Floating Market

As you can imagine, the most authentic thing is that you can buy things and even

Daun Sirih

This motif illustrates betel leaves that are used by Lombok communities as traditional

Rasamala

The Rasamala Batik motif is associated with a story when the Dutch came

Kalo Sara

Kalo Sara is a sacred motif for Tolaki ethnic. It is considered as

Pinawetengan

The Pinawetengan Batik pattern was taken from a prehistoric inscription in

Gumin Tambun

Based on Hindu mythology, this motif symbolizes lucks, abundant wealth, and

Gamolan

This motif illustrates Gamolan, a bamboo musical instrument of Lampung that is

Kain Cual

Cual textile tradition has existed since the 17th century. The word “Cual” refers to

Awan Berarak

Awan Berarak is a combination of Dayak motifs and Malay patterns. The word ‘Awan Berarak’ means the

Tampuk Manggis Sasirangan

The motif illustrates the philosophy of the mangosteen fruit, which is

Kaharingan

The Kaharingan or ‘tree of life’ based on the Dayak tribes’ belief system. This tree symbolizes

Tanah Liek

The word “Tanah Liek” refers to clay in Minang language. It is also known as

Penari Melayu

Penari Melayu illustrates the traditional dance of Malay ethnic in

Bintik Tujuh

The Bintik Tujuh (Seven Dots) motif has 7 white spots and green color gradation as

Anggrek Tewu

This motif is created based on the local wisdom and philosophy of

Taiganja

Taiganja is a precious gold pendant that shows the social status of the Kaili family. It is

Barong Bali

The Barong refers to the mythological animal with supra-natural

Ceplok Gayo Aceh

The variety of colors shows the differences in society that

Jupri Kembang Teh

Kembang Teh illustrates the tendrils of tea plants that grow in the highlands of

Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat motif represents the marine life at Raja Ampat archipelago in

Bekantan Pakis

This motif represents Pakis Haji (Polystichum setiferum), an endemic plant in

Pucuk Mekar

This motive reflects the joy and gratitude to God over the grace of

Gigi Haruan Lidi

The Gigi Haruan Lidi motif is taken from the name of the cork fish and is a symbol of

Kasih Tak Sampai

‘Kasih Tak Sampai’ is an idiom in the Indonesian language which refers to

Pisang Bali

This batik motif is usually given by a person to his/her lover who is

Gonggong Beruntun

This motif illustrates that a person should maintain a positive attitude and

Pantai Ambon

Ambon city batik depicts the natural wealth and marine life of

Tifa Papua

This motif was derived from traditional Papuan musical instruments,

Insang Ikan

Insang refers to the gills of the fish. This is a typical pattern of Malay ethnic who inhabits

Pattimura

Pattimura is the name of an Indonesian hero who fought against colonialism in

Merak Lasem

The peacock is considered to be the king of the birds. It represents

Tenun Bima

The motifs are adopted from Bima woven textile. This pattern has received a great

Tongkonan

Toraja’s traditional house is called Tongkonan. Tongkonan is a place for

Tikar Natuna

The Tikar Natuna motif is adapted from the traditional making of pandanus mats in

Singayaksa

The Singayaksa motif comes from the name of a place where Sultan Hasanuddin used to

Cengkeh

The clove flower motif is the main commodity of the Tolitoli Regency. This motif represents

Kuda Kupang

Horses symbolize wealth. It contains noble values of virtuous characters that bring

Bomba Mawar

This motif means sacred love for family, kingdom, and God; It also illustrates

Desa Na Tolu

The Desa Na Tolu characteristic pattern symbolizes the Batak philosophy of existence and

Prada Papua

The word “Prada” in the Javanese-Indonesian dialect means a batik textile that

Waruga

Minahasa batik motifs are adopted from Waruga. Waruga is the

Srimanganti

The name of the Srimanganti motif is derived from Palace’s hallway that connects to

Sido Mulyo

Sidomulyo is one of the classical motifs, which is specifically used for the bride’s costume in

Jumputan Bintang

The word Jumputan means the tie-dye technique, while the word “Bintang” refers to

Besurek Rafflesia

The term “Basurek” refers to a textile that contains letters or inscriptions

Lipaq Sabe

Lipaq Saqbe contains a simple geometric classical motif with various flower decorations. This textile is

Enggang Dayak

Local people beliefs that hornbills are an incarnation of the Commander of the Birds. It has supernatural

Ukir Sentani

The Ukir motif is a batik motif that is inspired by various traditional Sentani wood carvings

Ondel-ondel

Ondel – ondel is Betawi traditional icons. This motif signifies

Durian Pecah

Broken Durian motifs depict the foundation of faith. The second half signifies the mastery of

Pati-Pati Pinehiku

It symbolizes the hierarchy in society and the social status of the Mekongga

Parang Seling

Parang Seling or “alternating daggers” is a royal batik motif. It is a feminine variant of

Besurek Rembulan

This batik illustrates praise for God who created the wonderful universe

Banji Cirebon

The Banji motif is the symbol of protection and

Teguh Bersatu

This batik motif shows the strength of the people of Kupang. It also represents a sense of

Karawo Mahkuta

Mahkuta refers to Gorontalo’s traditional crown. It represents noble characters of

Merak Ngeram

The hatching peacock motif has a very deep meaning which refers to the sacrifice and

Sero Tangga

The Sero Tangga illustrates an endearing feeling and sacrifices of a person to fulfil

Honai

The Honai is inspired by the traditional house of the Papuan community living in

Hiu Taliyasan

Indonesia is also home to the world’s largest fish, the whale shark (Rhincodon typus). Hiu Taliyasan refers to

Tifa Totobuang

The batik motifs illustrate Maluku’s traditional music instrument called

Ikan tambal

The word “Ikan” refers to fish. The philosophical meaning of Ikan Tambal means is

Kawung

The Kawung motif was created by Sultan Agung Hanyokrokusumo (1593 – 1645) as a symbolic gift for

Alam Pantai

The word “Alam Pantai” refers to the natural beauty of

Peresean

The Peresean is a game that sometimes some kinds of magic are

Pucuk Rebung Riau

Pucuk Rebung symbolizes heart determination in achieving goals, good luck, and