Ampenan is located in Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara. The city was previously known for its port and was the center of trade and economic activity in Lombok. To this day Ampenan still preserves its cultural heritage. The community in Ampenan is multi-ethnic due to its historic function as a port city. There are some ethnic villages located in the heritage area of Ampenan. Specifically, Malay, Chinese, Arab, Balinese, Banjar, and Bugis villages are located in the core of heritage area, and in its surroundings. This research aimed to identify the participation of the multi-ethnic community in preserving the heritage area of Ampenan. The study used descriptive-qualitative methods through observations, in-depth interviews, and literature review, using the variables of preservation of cultural heritage. The study found that the majority of the multi-ethnic communities who live in the core of the heritage area have a high level of participation in preserving cultural heritage. Meanwhile, those who live in the villages located in the surrounding area still lack participation because heritage preservation only affects their villages indirectly.