A member of the platoon-sized girl band JKT48, 26-year-old Melody Nurramdhani Laksania, was officially named the Goodwill Ambassador for Japan-ASEAN Agriculture by the Japanese government on Wednesday.

The move aims to enhance the relationship between Japan and ASEAN to commemorate 45 years of cooperation.

Pict of the day. Goodwill Ambassador Japan - ASEAN Agriculture. Bismillah! pic.twitter.com/xldOweI6uR — Melody Nurramdhani (@melodyJKT48) February 28, 2018

As reported by tempo.co, Japanese Ambassador to ASEAN Kazuo Sunaga said agriculture was a critical sector with huge economic potential for Japan and ASEAN countries. The Japanese government has been largely involved in this sector in ASEAN countries.

Read also: Tulus, Haruka JKT48 named Indonesia-Japan 'Friendship Ambassadors'

Melody is an agriculture graduate who sought to contribute in boosting the sector.

"We chose Melody not for her beauty, but for two reasons. First, she has contributed in strengthening the relationship between Indonesia and Japan through girl band JKT48. Second, her educational background is agriculture, hence she is expected to be able to significantly provide positive changes," Sunaga said on Wednesday in Jakarta.

Following the decision, the Japanese government expressed its hope that Melody would be able to spread a message on the importance of fruit markets and agriculture for Japan-ASEAN to the people of Indonesia and ASEAN.

The decision to select Melody, who is popular in both Indonesia and Japan, is said to be part of the Japanese government's aim to raise awareness among the younger generation on agricultural issues in ASEAN, with the JKT48 member serving as a role model. (kes)