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

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

Maria Annai Velangkani Catholic Church

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

 

Discover

Indonesian

Tourism

Cangkuang Temple

Located in Leuwigoong village, this temple is the only one Hindu temple in

Balanga Museum

Originally thought of as a regional museum, Balanga Museum collects a lot of objects which are

Betang Traditional House

The Betang house is the traditional Dayak Great House, and it contains a lot of its spiritual and

Golden Sunrise in Dieng Plateau

Dieng Plateau mountain complex is a magic place to experience two different kinds of sunrise, which are

Bandar Lampung City

It is the capital city in this region. Despite its congested town, it is full of

Prambanan Temple

One of the most important Hindu complex of temples built in 850 AD

Bedugul Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

an excellent place for having spiritual soul discovery

Kalamata Fort

Again, it is a testimony of the Portuguese colonization of Indonesia. This fort is located near

Tri Agung Buddhist Shrine in Tikus island

Enjoying the beauty of the beach and discovering spiritual tourism, why not?

Cian Cui Festival

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