* James Ofili, a textile trader from Nigeria, deals with corruption, drugs and discrimination.
Why so many Nigerians come to Indonesia?
Why not? Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa. We have about 180 million people. It is the seventh largest population in the world. You will find Nigerians worldwide. Indonesia suits us because our countries are very similar. We have a hot tropical climate with a dry season and a rainy season. It is just like here.
Are there other similarities?
Corruption. Nigeria is listed as one of the most corrupt countries in Africa, and Indonesia is one of the most corrupt in Asia. So, Nigerians really understand the system of doing business in Indonesia.
Nigeria is very rich in natural resources. We are one of the largest oil producers in the world, and we have the largest reserves of natural gas in Africa. I love my country, but many Nigerians are poor because oil money is not shared. It is similar to Indonesia, especially Papua, which has many natural resources, but its people are poor.
One difference is that Nigeria was colonized by the British, so English is our primary language. Nigeria became independent in 1960, then had coups and civil war, and now has problems with Islamic terrorists. Many [extremist group] Boko Haram are made in other countries.
What about traffic?
We have bad traffic jams in Lagos, Nigeria's capital, but perhaps Jakarta is the king of poor circulation.
Do Indonesians know much about Nigeria?
No. But there are hundreds of Indonesians living and doing business in Nigeria. Their main activity is Indomie, Indonesian instant noodles. Indomie is the largest factory of noodles in Africa and in Nigeria. Nigerians love Indomie; it is the ideal food when you have no time to cook.
What led you to Indonesia?
I came there ten years. I have a business, the purchase of textiles and clothing manufacturing, which I send to Africa. Most textile factories in Bandung [West Java]. I deal directly with factories to ordering clothes, rather than dealing with traders in Tanah Abang [textile market in Jakarta]. This way I get the best price. There is a good deal because Nigeria has no major garment factories.
How will you deal in Indonesia?
It is sad that many Indonesians think ill of black people. They think we're all selling drugs or doing bad things. Indonesian children are indoctrinated to not like Africans. Perhaps Indonesians have a superstition that black skin is the devil, I do not know. I wish people would not judge by nationality or skin color. In every country, color and religion, you will have good people and bad people.
When I'm in the street waiting for a taxi, the driver will slow sometimes, but when I move to enter the taxi, it will hunt. This happens often, usually when it rains.
How do you get a visa?
is expensive. If a Nigerian wants to work here, he must spend at least US $ 3,000 for a 12-month work visa, plus official fees. I do not do myself through immigration offices or the Department Manpower. There Indonesian officers we pay, and they do it quickly for us. If we tried to do it ourselves, without having to pay extra money through agents, officials continue to say "come back next week" and always reject us.
When I arrived at the airport, I still US $ 50 dollars in my passport, even if I allowed visa. The official takes quickly and stamps my passport. Once I tried with just inside Rp.300,000. The official asked Rp.200,000 more, so of course, I gave him. When you spend US $ 10,000 to come to Indonesia to do business, giving us $ 50 to the man of immigration from the airport is not a problem.
If you do not give money, they take you apart with the Arabs and threaten to evict you. Or they make a full search of the body and check everything in your bags, as they are in search of drugs. So you learn to just pay.
What about corruption?
I understand why officials are corrupt. Their wages are very low, so they need to make extra money. If they are right, I do not mind paying some money. Any problem in Indonesia can be solved with money.
Why Indonesians link Nigerians to drugs?
Nigeria is a major transit point for drugs. Most drug traffickers in Indonesia are Indonesians, but if the dealer is a black man, they show it in the media.
If you want to stop the drug problem in Indonesia, start from the top. Arrest people who are in charge.
Large pay for protection, so that the little guys and foreigners are arrested. You need money and connections to stay out of prison, and you have to keep your mouth shut. Not like [Indonesian drug lord] Freddy Budiman. He told the people how he paid so much money to the police, the heads of the prison and at customs, so they run to him alone.
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Is Nigeria trying to save its citizens sentenced to death?
No. The Nigerian government does not interfere in the legal system of Indonesia. One of Nigerians executed last week [July 28] was an Indonesian woman, and she took her body to Nigeria for burial. She will stay in Nigeria.
Do people ever ask you about medicines
I Indonesian men, friends, come and ask me what are the best drugs for make them strong and large ?; to make their woman happy. You know, sex. I never use that kind of thing. I say, stop smoking and stop eating so much sugar. All drinks are full of sugar here. It is not good for you. It makes you weak.
How do you deal with the bureaucracy here, for taxes and export permits?
I pay taxes in Nigeria. In Indonesia, I do not pay tax. I pay agents to take care of everything. They go to the office, talk to the right people, give them some money so I can do my business. It is corrupt, like Nigeria. It is very easy for Nigerians to do business here.
Do you think you'll stay another ten years in Indonesia?
I'm not sure. I like living here and do business here. I want to be married. Some Nigerians here marry Indonesian women. If I could meet the right, maybe I would. But I'll probably eventually withdraw Nigeria and marry. There are not at home.
* James did not use his real name or photo for this interview, given some of the content "sensitive".