Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian government has nominated Ambon, the capital of Maluku province and the most populous city, as the World's Music City to the United Nation's Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

"Music is the main power of the people of Ambon. We hope for the city to be named as the world's music city by the UNESCO this year," said Ambon Mayor, Richard Louhanapessy, in Jakarta on Thursday.

He made the statement during an event themed, "Update from the Region: Ambon Night 2019", held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ambon local government to introduce the city on the national and international scales through music and culture.

"There are a lot of ways we can build Ambon. Music and tourism have been effective because music is a part of the people's identity," he said.

Meanwhile, the Ministry's Director General of Information and Public Diplomacy, Cecep Herawan, said, "Music and Ambon are inseparable. The Ambonese have had the ability to sing since they were in the womb. Many famous singers come from Ambon. Music is in the DNA of the Ambonese people," he remarked.

He is confident that the city can soon be named the World's Music City by the UNESCO. Related news: Foreign Affairs Ministry supports Ambon Night cultural event

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Translator: Aria Cindyara
Editor: Azizah Fitriyanti
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