A Visit of a Member of Indonesian Parliament to St. Louis.

     On June 16, 2011, St. Louis-Bogor Sister Cities President Joe Passanise met with Indonesian House Representative Robby Sirait and Mr. Ismyr Katoppo, his interpreter, in St. Louis, Missouri at Armstrong Teasdale Law Offices with SLBSC Board Director Thomas Bottini and with Mr. Stephen Rutherford, World Affairs Council Director, who was Rep. Sirait’s volunteer driver while in St. Louis.

     After we exchanged business cards, Mr. Passanise showed Rep. Sirait the St. Louis-Bogor Sister Cities Website.  He noted to Rep. Sirait that he had access to our Website at any time by using the web address printed on the SLBSC business card.  Mr. Passanise briefly reviewed our history, events and photos especially those photos associated with our newly created Cultural Exchange Program. 

     Mr. Passanise provided a packet of booklets and pamphlets about educating citizens on democracy to Rep. Sirait from the Center for Civic Education.  Rep. Sirait initiated discussion about the need for college education for poor young adults in Indonesia.  Following the meeting, Mr. Passanise coordinated with the U.S. State Department about Rep. Sirait’s concern.  U.S. Dept. of State was fully cooperative in planning to communicate with Rep. Sirait about U.S. current and future plans for helping Indonesia educate their young adults in the low economic category.

Rep. Robby Sirait with Mr. Joe Passanise, the President of St. Louis-Bogor Sister Cities Committee

Rep. Robby Sirait with Mr. Thomas Bottini, a Board Director of St. Louis-Bogor Sister Cities Committee