Gordon Tobing (1925–1993) was an Indonesian singer of
folk songs, particularly those in the
Batak language. Born to a
Batak family in
Medan,
North Sumatra, Tobing moved to
Jakarta in 1950 and began working in the entertainment industry. While with
Radio Republik Indonesia, he participated in an Indonesian cultural mission to the
4th World Festival of Youth and Students. Over the remainder of his life Tobing was included in numerous similar missions, ultimately travelling to five continents and performing for President
Suharto of Indonesia, Crown Prince
Akihito of Japan, and other world leaders.Photograph: Tati Studios, Jakarta; restoration:
Chris Woodrich