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Nadine McNeil is a global humanitarian. She has roamed some of the globe’s biggest cities and rates Jakarta quite high in comparison.

Born in Jamaica, McNeil has been mistaken for everything from Ghanaian to Ethiopian. However, racial discrimination doesn’t exist for her — seeking out friends based on skin color is something she doesn’t do.

How did you end up living in Jakarta?

I was offered a job by Unicef shortly after the 2004 tsunami as a logistics specialist.

How long have you lived in Jakarta?

On and off for about three and a half years.

What was your first impression of Jakarta?

Having come directly from Khartoum, Sudan, I was quite taken aback by all high-rise buildings I saw on the way from the airport to my hotel.

Where are you originally from?

I was born in Jamaica.

Have you ever been mistaken as being African-born?

I’m not entirely convinced that “mistaken” is the appropriate word here, but I get what you mean. Yes, I have been described as being everything from Ghanian to Kenyan, Sierra Leonean, to most recently Ethiopian.

Many Indonesians think that most black Africans here are Nigerian drug dealers. What do you think about this?

I think that ignorance can be blissfully dangerous. The same goes for stereotypes. Given that most of their encounters with people of African descent may be with Nigerians, it is “simple” to assume that people who share a skin color all originate from the same place. This is a terribly tunneled visioned and unfortunate. If we create a background of relatedness and assume that every person with Asian features is Chinese, I believe that other Asians may find this disturbing, to say the least.

Have you ever experienced discrimination here?

No, simply because I believe that the action of discrimination can only exist and thrive where there is a reaction. I choose not to base/judge people on the basis of demographics, and in so doing, I therefore do not invite it into my life.

Do you agree that black people form a minority group here?

Relative to the other foreign/expatriate communities living in Jakarta, people of “color” are a small percentage.

Have you been able to find a network of black people here?

Again, I may not be the best person to respond to this as I have not consciously sought out people on the basis of their skin color. Through the international community, I enjoy a wonderful set of friends.

What do you like most about Jakarta?

I love the community that I have managed to become a part of, made up of people who come from all over the globe — Jamaica, Singapore, UK, Australia, Bangladesh, USA, Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Kenya, France, you name it! The traffic does get a bit challenging at times, however. Thankfully, Bali — and Palau Macan — are just a hop, skip and jump away for a weekend retreat of nature and fresh air.

If you had to change one thing about the city to make it just perfect for you, what would that one thing be?

Perhaps the introduction of sidewalks — to allow for walking.

Compared to other large cities that you’ve been to, how would you rate Jakarta on a scale of one to 10?

Jakarta is an unusual city insofar as it displays all the trappings of a metropolis yet it charmingly juxtaposes this against traditional Indonesian kampung living. And while cost of living has increased, Jakarta is still affordable enough for one to enjoy a luxury urban lifestyle which would be unthinkable in other major cities.

So would you rate Jakarta as a perfect 10 then?

I would say that Jakarta ranks at about 7.5.

Is there any similarity between Indonesia and Jamaica?

Well, yes and no. From a historical standpoint, Indonesia is an archipelago of spice, as Jamaica is an island of spice. We are part of the West Indies while Indonesia was the core of the East Indies. Both Jamaica and Indonesia love spicy food, and both countries boast an amazing array of tropical fruit — Indonesia has more variety. Our cultures are similar yet different, and I believe that religion plays an integral role in this difference; where Jamaica is a predominantly Christian society, Indonesia is perhaps the largest Muslim country in the world.

Where is your favorite spot in Jakarta?

My yoga studio! Bikram Yoga Jakarta, located in Kemang. Oh, but there’s more. I love Koi for brunch, and recently discovered Potato Head in Pacific Place. The Dharmawangsa, from an architectural standpoint, is just beautiful. And of course nothing beats the legendary Sunday brunches at the Four Seasons.

You have nice dreadlocks. Do you go to the salon here?

Thank you. No, I don’t.



Nadine was talking to fellow Jamaican Dwayne Carruthers.