Batik Sumatera

Sumatra is the second largest (after Borneo) of the Greater Sunda Islands, in the Malay Archipelago. It is separated in the northeast from the Malay Peninsula by the Strait of Malacca and in the south from Java by the Sunda Strait. Although it is known for its exports of agricultural products and exotic wildlife, this region in Indonesia also has its distinct form of batik that has been popularized throughout the years.

In North Sumatra, batik was introduced by Javanese craftsmen, with the island of Sumatra having a significant Javanese population at the time. It is not as popular as textile weaving, but there are some local craftsmen who produce batik using local motifs, which are mostly inspired by gorga or carving on the outer walls of traditional Batak houses.

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.