Maluku invited to organize "Ambon Night" in Darwin

Antara News, Thursday, June 17, 2010 13:50 WIB

Ambon, Maluku (ANTARA News) - Australian Northern Territorial Governor Tom Pauling has invited Maluku province to promote its tourism potential through "Ambon Night" in Darwin in October this year.

Maluku Vice Governor Said Assagaff said here on Thursday Pauling forwarded the invitation to him when he visited Darwin on June 8-10, 2010.

"The government of Australian Northern Territory is interested in Maluku tourism, especially traditional culture and arts, so it invites us to organize Ambon Night in Darwin in October," Assagaff said.

He said the invitation from Australia was part of a realization in Ambon-Darwin sister city cooperation which has been in effective for years.

Assagaff said he would coordinate the Australia`s invitation with Maluku branch of Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies Association (Asita) and the district heads/mayors to make use of such a strategic opportunity.

Besides, Governor Tom Pauling also invited Maluku`s under-18 soccer team to play in Darwin in May next year.

"Governor Tom Pauling is planning a friendly soccer competition between soccer teams from Northern Territory, Timor Leste, and Maluku," Assagaff said.

He said the Australian Northern Territory governor even agreed to send an aircraft to transport the 25 players including sport managers and officials from Maluku to Darwin for the soccer game.

"Transportation and accommodation will be provided by the government of Northern Territory while food will be prepared by the Indonesian Consulate General in Darwin," Assagaff said.

Assagaff promptly welcomed the invitation from Australia because the soccer game would be a tryout for the team from Maluku whose members are under 18 years of age.

"It is an honor for Maluku and Timor Leste soccer team under 18 to play in Darwin," said the Maluku vice governor.

Assagaff added that he would organize it with the provincial administrators and Maluku branch of All Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) to prepare the team for the international friendship match.