Budi Santoso, CEO & Founder

Credentials: MBA in International Tourism Management, Certified Hospitality Administrator (CHA), ASITA (Association of Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies) Member, PADI Open Water Diver.

Bio: A visionary leader with over two decades of experience in Indonesia’s luxury tourism sector, Budi founded Raja Ampat Private Yacht Cruise with a singular mission: to offer an authentic, sustainable, and ultra-luxurious way to explore Raja Ampat. His deep understanding of Indonesian culture, coupled with an unwavering commitment to environmental conservation, guides the company’s strategic direction. Budi is a passionate advocate for community-based tourism and has been instrumental in forging partnerships with local conservation groups and indigenous communities. Under his leadership, the company has grown to become a benchmark for premium yachting experiences in the Coral Triangle. He regularly engages with Kementerian Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif (Kemenparekraf) to ensure compliance and contribute to national tourism development.

Dr. Sari Dewi, Head Marine Biologist & Expedition Leader

Credentials: Ph.D. in Marine Biology (Universitas Diponegoro), PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT), Certified Coral Reef Restoration Specialist, Member of the Indonesian Marine & Fisheries Scientists Association (ISMS).

Bio: Dr. Sari Dewi is the scientific heart of our expeditions. With extensive fieldwork experience across the Coral Triangle, her expertise in marine biodiversity, coral reef ecosystems, and conservation biology is unparalleled. Sari designs our educational programs, trains our dive guides, and ensures all our marine interactions are conducted with the utmost respect for the environment. Her passion for Raja Ampat’s unique ecosystems is infectious, and guests often describe her guided snorkeling and diving excursions as profoundly enlightening. She collaborates closely with organizations like the Misool Foundation and The Nature Conservancy Indonesia on various research and conservation projects.

Agus Wijaya, Head of Operations & Logistics

Credentials: Master Mariner (Class I), Certified Maritime Safety Officer (IMO STCW Compliant), Advanced First Aid & CPR Certified, Member of the Indonesian National Shipowners’ Association (INSA).

Bio: Agus is the logistical mastermind behind every seamless Raja Ampat Private Yacht Cruise journey. With a distinguished career spanning over 25 years in maritime operations, including extensive experience navigating the challenging waters of Eastern Indonesia, he ensures that every vessel in our fleet meets the highest international safety and operational standards. From vessel maintenance and crew training to itinerary execution and emergency preparedness, Agus oversees all operational aspects with meticulous precision. His deep knowledge of local regulations, including those from Direktorat Jenderal Perhubungan Laut (DGST), guarantees compliance and peace of mind for our guests. He is also responsible for coordinating with AirNav Indonesia for flight connections and transfers.

Maya Putri, Guest Relations Manager

Credentials: Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management (STP Bandung), Certified Luxury Travel Specialist, Fluent in English, Mandarin, and Bahasa Indonesia.

Bio: Maya is the warm and welcoming face of Raja Ampat Private Yacht Cruise, dedicated to ensuring every guest’s journey is personalized and flawless from the moment of inquiry to their departure. With a background in five-star hotel management in Bali and Jakarta, she brings an exceptional level of service and attention to detail. Maya excels at anticipating guest needs, coordinating bespoke requests, and providing comprehensive pre-cruise information. Her commitment to exceeding expectations ensures that every guest feels valued, understood, and perfectly cared for throughout their luxury Raja Ampat adventure. She is also our primary contact for international travel agencies and partners.

Captain Wayan Kardana, Senior Phinisi Captain

Credentials: Master of Yachts (200 GT), Certified Advanced Open Water Diver, Extensive experience navigating Indonesian archipelago, particularly Eastern Indonesia.

Bio: Captain Wayan is one of our most experienced and respected Phinisi captains, a true master of the seas with over 30 years of navigating Indonesia’s intricate waterways. Hailing from a long line of Bugis seafarers, his innate understanding of the currents, winds, and hidden gems of Raja Ampat is unparalleled. Captain Wayan’s calm demeanor, expert seamanship, and deep respect for the ocean ensure a safe, smooth, and unforgettable voyage for all on board. He is fully certified by the Direktorat Jenderal Perhubungan Laut (DGST) and regularly undergoes advanced safety training.

Joko Susilo, Sustainability & Community Engagement Coordinator

Credentials: M.Sc. in Environmental Science (Universitas Gadjah Mada), Certified Ecotourism Practitioner, Former Project Manager for WWF Indonesia.

Bio: Joko is the driving force behind our comprehensive sustainability initiatives and community outreach programs. With a strong background in environmental conservation and community development, he ensures that Raja Ampat Private Yacht Cruise operates with the lightest possible footprint. Joko spearheads our partnerships with local villages in Raja Ampat, developing initiatives that support education, health, and traditional livelihoods. He oversees our waste management protocols, carbon offset programs, and ensures our operations align with the principles of the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security (CTI-CFF). His work is vital to our commitment to responsible tourism, as detailed on our Sustainability page.