Meet Our Team of Indonesia Luxury Travel Specialists
Phinisi Raja Ampat is defined by the passion and expertise of our people. We are a dedicated group of maritime professionals, hospitality veterans, and conservation advocates, united by a love for the Indonesian archipelago. Each member of our team brings a unique set of skills and a deep, personal connection to the regions we explore, ensuring your journey is not just a vacation, but a genuine immersion into the heart of Indonesia.
Arya Wirawan
Founder & Managing Director
Credentials: B.Sc. in Hospitality Management (STP Bandung), 20+ years in Indonesian luxury hospitality, Certified PADI Divemaster.
Arya is the visionary behind Phinisi Raja Ampat and a scion of the Juara Holding Group family. Having spent his formative years managing five-star resorts in Bali and Komodo, Arya developed an intimate understanding of the discerning traveler’s needs. He founded Phinisi Raja Ampat to bridge the gap between the raw beauty of Indonesia’s remote islands and the seamless execution of world-class luxury service. Arya personally oversees our vessel selection process and maintains relationships with our partners, ensuring every element aligns with our exacting standards. His commitment to quality is detailed in our methodology.
Captain Iwan Kusuma
Head of Maritime Operations & Safety
Credentials: Ahli Nautika Tingkat I (ANT I) Master Mariner Certificate, STCW Certified, 25+ years as Captain in Indonesian waters.
Captain Iwan is the guardian of our guests’ safety and the architect of our seamless nautical operations. A highly respected Master Mariner with an ANT I license—the highest level of maritime certification in Indonesia—he has navigated every major sea lane in the archipelago. Before joining our team, Captain Iwan commanded commercial vessels and private superyachts, giving him a unique perspective on both technical safety and luxury service. He is responsible for auditing every Phinisi in our portfolio for compliance with regulations from the Directorate General of Sea Transportation (Direktorat Jenderal Perhubungan Laut) and our own stringent safety protocols, detailed on our Safety & Compliance page.
Sari Dewi
Lead Travel Concierge
Credentials: Certified Indonesia Tour Leader (HPI – Himpunan Pramuwisata Indonesia), former Guest Relations Manager at Nihi Sumba.
Sari is the heart of our client experience. With a background managing guest relations at one of the world’s most acclaimed luxury resorts, she possesses an innate ability to anticipate needs and curate truly personalized itineraries. Sari and her team are the primary point of contact for our clients, meticulously planning every detail from flight arrangements via Garuda Indonesia into Sorong’s Domine Eduard Osok Airport (SOQ) to dietary preferences and special celebrations onboard. Her deep network of contacts throughout Raja Ampat allows her to arrange unique experiences that are unavailable to the general public.
Dr. Banyu Wicaksono
Marine Biologist & Sustainability Officer
Credentials: Ph.D. in Marine Biology (Bogor Agricultural University – IPB), published researcher on coral reef ecology, liaison with WWF Indonesia and The Nature Conservancy.
Dr. Banyu guides our commitment to responsible tourism and enriches our guests’ understanding of the incredible biodiversity of Raja Ampat. He designs our eco-conscious snorkeling and diving guidelines, trains our local guides, and manages our partnerships with conservation organizations. On select voyages, Dr. Banyu joins as a guest lecturer, offering fascinating insights into the marine life and the conservation challenges facing the Coral Triangle. His work ensures our operations actively contribute to the preservation of the pristine environments we visit, a core tenet outlined on our Sustainability page.
Putu Wijaya
Head of Partnerships & Contracting
Credentials: Member of ASITA (Association of the Indonesian Tours & Travel Agencies), 15 years in travel industry procurement.
Putu is the strategic mind behind our elite network of partners. He is responsible for identifying, vetting, and negotiating with the finest Phinisi owners, local guides, and service providers in Eastern Indonesia. His rigorous due diligence process, which includes financial stability checks and on-site inspections, is fundamental to our quality guarantee. Putu ensures that every partner, from our private drivers in Sorong to the pearl farms we visit, shares our commitment to excellence and ethical operations. The quality of his work is reflected in our trusted network.
Continue exploring Phinisi Raja Ampat:
Our Phinisi Raja Ampat Service ·
Meet Our Team ·
Editorial Standards ·
Methodology ·
Sustainability ·
Safety & Compliance
Crafting Unparalleled Journeys Aboard Your Private Phinisi
Imagine the gentle sway of a handcrafted wooden vessel beneath a sky ablaze with stars, the scent of the sea mingling with exotic spices carried on the breeze – this is the prelude to your extraordinary journey with Phinisi Raja Ampat. Our expertise extends beyond mere logistics; we meticulously orchestrate every detail of your private phinisi experience, transforming a voyage into a curated masterpiece. Each of our luxury phinisis, built by skilled Indonesian artisans using time-honored techniques, blends traditional charm with contemporary comfort. These magnificent sailing yachts, typically ranging from 30 to 45 meters in length, feature expansive decks, luxurious cabins, and state-of-the-art amenities, ensuring an intimate