The African Abroad: From Indonesia with Love

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Author: Wuraola Abulatan

Date: September 25, 2023

TABLE OF CONTENT

Hello, what is your name, and what African country are you from?

My name is William Benedict. I’m from Nigeria

Where are you based right now and how long have you been there?

I’m based in Jakarta, Indonesia. I’ve been here for 6 years.

Why did you relocate?

During my youth service year I knew I didn’t want to work in Nigeria because things were not looking good. I started to make plans to start up a business and with the guidance of a friend after I finished my service I moved to Jakarta.

What was the move like?

It was tough as a first-time traveler from Nigeria; I had to jump through many hoops but eventually when I settled here things slowly aligned.

What's the most shocking thing to you about where you are now?

Being an African in Asia, I felt different at first. Whenever I went out people always stared, which gave me some anxiety as I felt they were racist. However, over time, I got used to it. I think people are just curious because not every day you run into a black guy.

What do you miss the most about Africa and your home country?

I’d say I miss my family and close friends—the good times we have whenever we link. I also miss the food; we get Nigerian food here, but it’s far from the original taste.

What's the kindest thing someone abroad did for you?

There have been a few kind acts, but the most recent was when I left my phone in a taxi and the driver returned it to my apartment.

Any tips for anyone looking to relocate to where you are?

Patience is crucial. When you rush the relocation process, you’re bound to make mistakes or overlook key details. Also, having someone trustworthy in your new location is a huge advantage, as it makes settling in much easier. In the absence of that support, ensure you have enough funds, as this is very important.