Yeah, I dont understand the NYC thing either. When i flew back from Jakarta or when relatives come here to visit, Ohare usually is the airport of entry - and then take connecting flight to my midwest city. Even if the point of entry is JFK or others, still they take connecting flight. I wont drive that far.
Maybe they have other relatives to visit on the East Coast?
Also, from my experience, when my family (or any of my indonesian friends' family) visit, usually it's a long visit - min 2 weeks. So I would guess Leida's family will be in the US for awhile and will eventually see his dig in Wisconsin.