Meet Our Team: The Architects of Your Raja Ampat & Komodo Expedition

At Komodo Raja Ampat Cruise, our greatest asset is our team. Comprising seasoned professionals from diverse backgrounds – marine biology, luxury hospitality, traditional Phinisi craftsmanship, and expedition leadership – each member brings unparalleled expertise and a shared passion for Indonesia’s marine wonders. We are more than just a crew; we are a family dedicated to crafting extraordinary, safe, and sustainable luxury experiences. Our commitment to E-E-A-T (Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) is embodied by every individual who contributes to your journey, from our executive leadership to our onboard dive masters and local guides.

Our team members are not only highly qualified but also deeply connected to the regions we explore. Many are native Indonesians, providing authentic insights into local cultures, traditions, and the intricate ecosystems of Raja Ampat, Misool, Wayag, and Piaynemo. Their local knowledge, combined with international certifications and rigorous training, ensures that every aspect of your cruise is handled with the utmost professionalism and care. We believe that true luxury is delivered by people who are passionate, knowledgeable, and genuinely committed to creating unforgettable memories.

Our Leadership & Core Team

Our operational excellence is guided by a leadership team with extensive experience in luxury tourism and marine conservation. They set the strategic direction, ensuring our services consistently exceed expectations while adhering to the highest standards of safety and sustainability.

• Putra Wijaya, CEO & Founder

  Credentials: MBA in Sustainable Tourism (University of Gadjah Mada), Certified PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer, Member of ASITA (Association of Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies) Executive Board. Fluent in Indonesian, English, and basic German.

  Bio: Putra is the visionary behind Komodo Raja Ampat Cruise and a key figure in the Juara Holding Group. With over two decades of experience in high-end hospitality and marine conservation across Southeast Asia, he combines a sharp business acumen with a profound love for Indonesia’s natural heritage. His expertise in sustainable tourism development and his personal passion for diving in Raja Ampat’s Coral Triangle drive our commitment to both luxury and ecological responsibility. Putra frequently consults with the Kementerian Pariwisata on sustainable tourism initiatives and is a vocal advocate for marine protected areas.

• Dr. Anya Sari, Head of Marine Conservation & Expedition Leader

  Credentials: Ph.D. in Marine Biology (James Cook University, Australia), Certified Marine Mammal Observer, PADI IDC Staff Instructor, Scientific Diver (AAUS equivalent). Fluent in Indonesian, English, and basic Dutch.

  Bio: Dr. Sari is our resident marine expert, responsible for designing our eco-conscious itineraries and leading our educational programs. Her extensive research on coral reef ecosystems and marine megafauna in the Coral Triangle, particularly around Misool and Wayag, makes her an invaluable resource. Anya works closely with organizations like The Nature Conservancy Indonesia and the Misool Foundation, ensuring our expeditions contribute positively to conservation efforts and adhere to best practices for marine interaction. She educates guests on the biodiversity of Raja Ampat and the importance of responsible tourism.

• Captain Budi Santoso, Fleet Operations Manager & Master Mariner

  Credentials: Class I Master Mariner (ANT-I) Certificate from Kementerian Perhubungan (Ministry of Transportation), Advanced First Aid & CPR Certified, Marine Firefighting & Survival Craft Certified. Fluent in Indonesian and English.

  Bio: Captain Budi is the backbone of our fleet operations, overseeing the safety and navigation of all our Phinisi vessels. With over 30 years of experience navigating the intricate waters of the Indonesian archipelago, from the challenging currents of Komodo to the remote passages of Raja Ampat, his knowledge is unparalleled. He ensures all vessels meet stringent safety standards set by Biro Klasifikasi Indonesia (BKI) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for smaller vessels, and that our crew is expertly trained in emergency protocols. His calm demeanor and deep understanding of the sea provide guests with absolute peace of mind.

• Dewi Lestari, Guest Relations & Luxury Experience Manager

  Credentials: Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management (Institut Pariwisata Trisakti, Jakarta), Certified Luxury Travel Specialist (Virtuoso equivalent), Advanced Culinary Arts Diploma. Fluent in Indonesian, English, and basic French.

  Bio: Dewi is dedicated to ensuring every guest’s journey is seamless, personalized, and exceeds expectations. With a background in managing luxury resorts in Bali and Jakarta, she brings a refined touch to our onboard services, from bespoke dining experiences to personalized excursion planning. Dewi anticipates guest needs, curates unique moments, and ensures that the luxury experience aboard our Phinisi vessels is truly world-class. She is the primary point of contact for pre-cruise planning and onboard concierge services.

• Joko Susilo, Chief Engineer & Phinisi Maintenance Specialist

  Credentials: Class I Chief Engineer (ATT-I) Certificate from Kementerian Perhubungan, Certified Diesel Engine Mechanic, Advanced Electrical Systems & HVAC Maintenance. Fluent in Indonesian.

  Bio: Joko is the guardian of our Phinisi fleet’s operational integrity. With a lifetime spent around traditional Indonesian vessels, he possesses an intimate understanding of Phinisi construction and modern marine engineering. He ensures all our vessels are maintained to the highest standards, guaranteeing reliability, efficiency, and safety throughout our expeditions. His meticulous attention to detail and proactive maintenance schedules are crucial for the smooth operation of our cruises in remote areas.

• Maria Simanjuntak, Dive & Watersports Director

  Credentials: PADI Course Director, SSI Instructor Trainer, Emergency First Response Instructor, DAN Oxygen Provider Instructor. Fluent in Indonesian, English, and basic Spanish.

  Bio: Maria leads our dive and watersports team, ensuring world-class experiences for divers and snorkelers of all levels. Her extensive experience diving in Raja Ampat, Misool, and the broader Coral Triangle makes her an exceptional guide to the region’s unparalleled marine biodiversity. She oversees all dive safety protocols, equipment maintenance, and ensures our operations adhere to PADI and SSI environmental guidelines, including the ‘Project AWARE’ initiatives. Maria’s passion for the underwater world is infectious, inspiring guests to explore and protect these precious ecosystems.

Our team’s collective expertise, dedication, and deep-rooted connection to Indonesia are the pillars of Komodo Raja Ampat Cruise. We invite you to embark on an unforgettable journey with us, confident that you are in the hands of the most experienced and trustworthy specialists in Indonesian luxury marine expeditions. To learn more about our commitment to excellence and the rigorous standards we uphold, please visit our Editorial Standards page. For details on our unique itineraries, explore our Komodo Raja Ampat Cruise offerings.

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Continue exploring Komodo Raja Ampat Cruise:
Our Komodo Raja Ampat Cruise Service ·
Meet Our Team ·
Editorial Standards ·
Methodology ·
Sustainability ·
Safety & Compliance