Home / Batik Regions – Western Indonesia – Java Island – East Java / Surabaya City of Heroes
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.
Tourist Attractions in East Java
East Java House of Batik
Do you want to see all variants of Batik motifs in East Java?
Kasada Ceremony at Bromo Mountain
Kasada Ceremony is a traditional holiday of the Tengger tribe, which is
Trowulan – Majapahit Heritage Site
Rumor has it that after the death of a king or queen, many rites began to
East Java
Batik Motifs
Sekar Jati
Sekar means flower and Jati refers to teak trees that symbolizes a strong mental character that
Gedhog Kembang Waluh
a combination of Javanese cultural motif of the Majapahit kingdom (XII-XIV century) with
Discover
Indonesian
Batik
Motifs
Sero Tangga
The Sero Tangga illustrates an endearing feeling and sacrifices of a person to fulfil
Manguni Minahasa
Manguni is identified as the symbol of the Minahasa people. Manguni is known as a
Rumah Mamuju
the Batik motif illustrates the house of Mamuju King with the stairs, located on the left of the wooden stage house
Leuit Sijimat
This motif reflects the daily activities of the Baduy tribe in Banten. The main ornaments of batik motif consist of:
Tangerang Herang
Tangerang Herang motif is a symbol of Tangerang city. The Tangerang Herang batik motif consists of
Daun Simpor
This motif is inspired by the Simpor plant (Dillenia Suffruticosa) which is a typical
Gigi Haruan Lidi
The Gigi Haruan Lidi motif is taken from the name of the cork fish and is a symbol of
Sandeq
Sandeq Boat is a symbol of the maritime importance of the West Sulawesi region. The greatness of
Tikar Natuna
The Tikar Natuna motif is adapted from the traditional making of pandanus mats in
Pucuk Rebung Riau
Pucuk Rebung symbolizes heart determination in achieving goals, good luck, and
Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat motif represents the marine life at Raja Ampat archipelago in
Sekomandi
Its philosophical meaning is the eternal union which refers to a saying “until death do us part”
Ikan tambal
The word “Ikan” refers to fish. The philosophical meaning of Ikan Tambal means is
Kain Cual
Cual textile tradition has existed since the 17th century. The word “Cual” refers to
Daun Lada Hitam
The black pepper motif represents the main commodity of Bangka Belitung
Pohon Hayat (Tree of Life)
The Batik motifs in Lampung are dominated by the acculturation of Buddhist and
Kaganga Tanah Rejang
If Batik Besurek combines Arabic calligraphy motifs, then the Kaganga batik takes
Durian Pecah
Broken Durian motifs depict the foundation of faith. The second half signifies the mastery of
Rangkiang
The word “Rangkiang” refers to the rice granary in the Minangkabau language. It symbolizes
Bultiya
The word ‘Bultiya’ is an acronym of the three major tribes in North Kalimantan, namely
Gumin Tambun
Based on Hindu mythology, this motif symbolizes lucks, abundant wealth, and
Karawo Mahkuta
Mahkuta refers to Gorontalo’s traditional crown. It represents noble characters of
Tampuk Manggis Sasirangan
The motif illustrates the philosophy of the mangosteen fruit, which is
Wirasat
Wirasat or divine inspiration is a gift from God. This inspiration is symbolized by
Gorga Simeol-Meol
The Gorga Simeol-meol is a pattern of plant tendrils. it is regarded as a symbol of longevity and
Tabir Tanjung
Tanjung flower is a type of Cherry tree flower, which is commonly found in
Daun Sirih
This motif illustrates betel leaves that are used by Lombok communities as traditional
Jupri Kembang Teh
Kembang Teh illustrates the tendrils of tea plants that grow in the highlands of
Lipaq Sabe
Lipaq Saqbe contains a simple geometric classical motif with various flower decorations. This textile is
Buketan Bali
The Balinese bouquet (Buketan Bali) is a floral arrangement and the name is
Sekar Jati
Sekar means flower and Jati refers to teak trees that symbolizes a strong mental character that
Malinau Cultural Festival
You will witness a unique competition that might not be found other than in
Bomba Mawar
This motif means sacred love for family, kingdom, and God; It also illustrates
Jumputan Bintang
The word Jumputan means the tie-dye technique, while the word “Bintang” refers to
Hiu Taliyasan
Indonesia is also home to the world’s largest fish, the whale shark (Rhincodon typus). Hiu Taliyasan refers to
Angsa Duo
According to legend, the Angso duo batik motif is a pair of swans that are believed to have led Princess
Teguh Bersatu
This batik motif shows the strength of the people of Kupang. It also represents a sense of
Gedhog Kembang Waluh
a combination of Javanese cultural motif of the Majapahit kingdom (XII-XIV century) with
Prada Papua
The word “Prada” in the Javanese-Indonesian dialect means a batik textile that
Burung Bidadari
Bidadari birds are endemic birds in Halmahera. This motif represents an
Tanah Liek
The word “Tanah Liek” refers to clay in Minang language. It is also known as
Salakanagara
Salakanagara batik motif illustrates the first kingdom in the Betawi land
Kuda Kupang
Horses symbolize wealth. It contains noble values of virtuous characters that bring
Kaharingan
The Kaharingan or ‘tree of life’ based on the Dayak tribes’ belief system. This tree symbolizes
Parang Seling
Parang Seling or “alternating daggers” is a royal batik motif. It is a feminine variant of
Honai
The Honai is inspired by the traditional house of the Papuan community living in
Gonggong Siput
Gonggong (Strombus Turturella) is one type of sea snail found around
Gonggong Beruntun
This motif illustrates that a person should maintain a positive attitude and
Pattimura
Pattimura is the name of an Indonesian hero who fought against colonialism in
Sido Mulyo
Sidomulyo is one of the classical motifs, which is specifically used for the bride’s costume in
Gajah Way Kambas
The motif illustrates the Lampung’s natural reserve, the Way Kambas. it also symbolizes
Bintik Tujuh
The Bintik Tujuh (Seven Dots) motif has 7 white spots and green color gradation as
Tubo Kelapa
Coconut tree is a symbol of a good character and strong mentality. It illustrates the more success a person, the more
Gurdo Solo
Gurdo or garuda bird is the mount of the Indian god Vishnu. As the Sun Bird,
Insang Ikan
Insang refers to the gills of the fish. This is a typical pattern of Malay ethnic who inhabits
Tenun Bima
The motifs are adopted from Bima woven textile. This pattern has received a great
Besurek Rembulan
This batik illustrates praise for God who created the wonderful universe
Mahkota Siger
Siger is the crown of a noblewoman in ancient time. It is a symbol of femininity, strength, and
Ukir Sentani
The Ukir motif is a batik motif that is inspired by various traditional Sentani wood carvings
Kasih Tak Sampai
‘Kasih Tak Sampai’ is an idiom in the Indonesian language which refers to
Tifa Totobuang
The batik motifs illustrate Maluku’s traditional music instrument called
Pinawetengan
The Pinawetengan Batik pattern was taken from a prehistoric inscription in
Besurek Rafflesia
The term “Basurek” refers to a textile that contains letters or inscriptions
Cengkeh
The clove flower motif is the main commodity of the Tolitoli Regency. This motif represents
Pati-Pati Pinehiku
It symbolizes the hierarchy in society and the social status of the Mekongga
Parang Rusak
Another meaning behind this motif is an unconquerable spirit, symbolized by
Bekantan Pakis
This motif represents Pakis Haji (Polystichum setiferum), an endemic plant in
Srimanganti
The name of the Srimanganti motif is derived from Palace’s hallway that connects to
Awan Berarak
Awan Berarak is a combination of Dayak motifs and Malay patterns. The word ‘Awan Berarak’ means the
Ake Patra
Ake is related to the divinity and the composition of the universe. It is a symbol of