Cultural Destination

Embrace the spirit of the place!

Soeman HS Library

The Soeman HS Library (photo: Unilak)

Soeman HS Library

Pekanbaru is the capital of Riau Province and is also famous for educational tourism. Tourists can visit and experience Indonesian Malay culture in the magnificent library of Soeman H.S. This library won the best architectural award among Southeast Asian Countries, for bringing together local architecture and local wisdom elements of Malay culture with modernity. Through the building’s glass walls, the library visitors can also enjoy the beauty of Pekanbaru landscape from a height.

Cultural Tourism Destination

Soeman HS Library

Tourist Attractions in Riau

Riau

Batik Motifs

Awan Larat Riau

This motif is usually associated with gentleness, wisdom, and

Tabir Tanjung

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

Kasih Tak Sampai

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

Pucuk Rebung Riau

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

 

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Indonesian

Batik

Motifs

Karawo Mahkuta

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

Rumah Mamuju

the Batik motif illustrates the house of Mamuju King with the stairs, located on the left of the wooden stage house

Kerawang Tegak Aceh

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

Paqbarre Allo

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

Buketan Bali

The Balinese bouquet (Buketan Bali) is a floral arrangement and the name is

Kasih Tak Sampai

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

Tidayu

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

Insang Ikan

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

Pucuk Rebung Riau

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

Dayak Taghol

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

Jumputan Bintang

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

Ake Patra

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

Raja Ampat

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

Desa Na Tolu

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

Keluak Daun Pakis

The word “Keluak” is a Minang language which means twisted or tangled. The Motif of

Awan Larat Riau

This motif is usually associated with gentleness, wisdom, and

Pati-Pati Pinehiku

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

Bultiya

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

Rutun Penyu

This motif describes the local wisdom which favours modesty and

Tenun Bima

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

Ikan tambal

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

Waruga

Minahasa batik motifs are adopted from Waruga. Waruga is the

Jagung

The philosophy of the corn motif illustrates the dream and

Pohon Hayat (Tree of Life)

The Batik motifs in Lampung are dominated by the acculturation of Buddhist and

Sandeq

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

Pala Salawaku

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

Bunga Raye

Raye Flower motif also represents a wish for

Alam Pantai

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

Tongkonan

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

Sido Mulyo

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

Salakanagara

Salakanagara batik motif illustrates the first kingdom in the Betawi land

Pantai Ambon

Ambon city batik depicts the natural wealth and marine life of

Srimanganti

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

La Galigo

La Galigo is a literary work of the Buginese Epic that has 300 thousand epic lines. It is considered even

Sekar Jati

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

Singayaksa

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

Merak Lasem

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

Parang Rusak

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

Sero Tangga

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

Pintu Aceh

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

Tubo Kelapa

Coconut tree is a symbol of a good character and strong mentality. It illustrates the more success a person, the more

Desa Na Ualu

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

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

Anggrek Tewu

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

Bale Lumbu

This motif signifies the welfare of the ancient Sasak society. Bale also symbolizes the

Ondel-ondel

Ondel – ondel is Betawi traditional icons. This motif signifies

Peresean

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

Kaganga Tanah Rejang

If Batik Besurek combines Arabic calligraphy motifs, then the Kaganga batik takes

Kuda Kupang

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

Kalo Sara

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

Cengkeh

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

Burung Bidadari

Bidadari birds are endemic birds in Halmahera. This motif represents an

Kuda Sepasang

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

Gamolan

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

Tampuk Manggis Sasirangan

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

Pucuk Mekar

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

Daun Sirih

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

Tengkawang Ampiek

With its many advantages, the Dayaks use this leaf in ritual ceremonies. This plant is a symbol of

Barong Bali

The Barong refers to the mythological animal with supra-natural

Sekomandi

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

Samudra

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

Rasamala

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

Merak Ngeram

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

Gonggong Siput

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

Kaharingan

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

Malinau Cultural Festival

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

Enggang Dayak

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

Gedhog Kembang Waluh

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

Asmat Papua

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

Tanah Liek

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

Rangkiang

The word “Rangkiang” refers to the rice granary in the Minangkabau language. It symbolizes

Penari Melayu

Penari Melayu illustrates the traditional dance of Malay ethnic in

Kamaro Timika

This motif is inspired by sacred symbols of Kamaro communities in

Karawo Pinang

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

Gorga Simeol-Meol

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

Tangerang Herang

Tangerang Herang motif is a symbol of Tangerang city. The Tangerang Herang batik motif consists of

Gumin Tambun

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

Honai

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

Ceplok Gayo Aceh

The variety of colors shows the differences in society that

Pinawetengan

The Pinawetengan Batik pattern was taken from a prehistoric inscription in

Mega Mendung

Mega Mendung signifies the cloud. This motif means to stay

Ukir Sentani

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

Sinaran

This pattern originates from Cirebon. It represents the reflection of

Angsa Duo

According to legend, the Angso duo batik motif is a pair of swans that are believed to have led Princess

Biji Kopi

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

Kawung

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

Awan Berarak

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

Wakatobi

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

Besurek Rembulan

This batik illustrates praise for God who created the wonderful universe

Bomba Mawar

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

Mahkota Siger

Siger is the crown of a noblewoman in ancient time. It is a symbol of femininity, strength, and

Daun Simpor

This motif is inspired by the Simpor plant (Dillenia Suffruticosa) which is a typical

Daun Lada Hitam

The black pepper motif represents the main commodity of Bangka Belitung

Abimanyu Prince

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

Gigi Haruan Lidi

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

Bayam Raja

The Raja Bayam Sasirangan motif illustrates the social status of

Hiu Taliyasan

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

Jupri Kembang Teh

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

Gajah Mungkur

Semantically, it means a huge longing emotion trapped in the