Meet Our Team of Raja Ampat Specialists
The Experts Behind Your Extraordinary Journey
The soul of Raja Ampat Luxury Charter lies in its people. We have assembled a dedicated team with over 150 years of combined experience in a region containing 76% of the world’s known coral species. They blend world-class luxury hospitality with profound local knowledge and a deep-seated passion for marine conservation. Each member is a leader in their field, committed to ensuring your voyage is flawless and unforgettable. Our rigorous, 5-stage selection process guarantees expertise and integrity at every level.
Banyu Wirawan
Founder & Chief Explorer
Credentials: M.Sc. in Marine Biology, University of Indonesia (2001); PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer with over 6,000 logged dives; 25+ years of sailing experience across the 17,000+ islands of the Indonesian Archipelago.
Bio: Banyu’s vision is the driving force behind our company. After a 15-year career as a marine biologist with organizations like The Nature Conservancy, he sought a sustainable tourism model where 2% of all charter revenue directly funds local conservation projects. Banyu personally vets every vessel against a 120-point checklist, ensuring they meet his exacting standards for safety, luxury, and ecological responsibility. His knowledge of Raja Ampat’s hidden gems is the secret ingredient in every journey we craft.
Sari Indrawati
Head of Operations & Client Relations
Credentials: B.A. in Hospitality Management, Swiss Hotel Management School (2010); Certified Travel Associate (CTA); 10+ years of senior management experience with Aman Resorts and Four Seasons Indonesia.
Bio: Sari is the architect of our seamless guest experience. With over 15 years in UHNW hospitality, she brings a world-class standard of service to the remote beauty of Raja Ampat. Sari oversees all logistics, from private jet arrivals at Sorong (SOQ) to personalized onboard provisioning. She manages our relationships with our exclusive network of partners and ensures that every detail, no matter how small, is anticipated and flawlessly executed. Her motto is, “Luxury is the freedom from concern.”
Dr. Anya Lestari
Lead Marine Biologist & Expedition Guide
Credentials: Ph.D. in Coral Reef Ecology, James Cook University (2016); Published researcher with 12+ peer-reviewed papers on manta ray behavior; Certified Scientific Diver (AAUS).
Bio: Dr. Lestari elevates a simple dive into a masterclass on marine biodiversity. She leads our guides, training them in conservation protocols for the Coral Triangle. On select charters, Anya provides insights into Raja Ampat’s ecosystems, home to over 1,500 species of reef fish. She helps guests spot the 2-centimeter-long Bargibanti pygmy seahorse and explains the symbiotic relationships that make these reefs thrive. Her involvement, on up to 10 charters per year, underscores our commitment to education.
Yafet Mambrasar
Lead Local Guide & Cultural Liaison
Credentials: Born and raised in the Misool region of Raja Ampat; Certified local guide by HPI (Himpunan Pramuwisata Indonesia) since 2012; Fluent in English, Bahasa Indonesia, and three local Papuan dialects.
Bio: Yafet is our bridge to the heart of Raja Ampat. His ancestral knowledge of seasons and currents is an invaluable asset. He facilitates authentic interactions, from visiting the stilt village of Arborek (population ~197) to explaining traditional ‘Sasi’ conservation, where a reef is closed to fishing for 6 months or more to replenish. Yafet ensures our presence is a positive one, fostering genuine connection and supporting the local economy through direct-to-community payments for provisions and handicrafts.
Captain Iwan Santoso
Fleet Captain & Safety Officer
Credentials: Ahli Nautika Tingkat I (ANT I) Master Mariner Certificate; STCW, GMDSS, and ISM Code certified; 20+ years as Captain of luxury yachts and Phinisi schooners.
Bio: The safety and comfort of our guests at sea is Captain Iwan’s absolute priority. He is one of Indonesia’s most respected captains, with an impeccable safety record and an encyclopedic knowledge of the archipelago’s challenging waters. He oversees the training and certification of all our vessel crews, ensuring they meet and exceed both Indonesian (Direktorat Jenderal Perhubungan Laut) and international maritime safety standards. A luxury charter with Captain Iwan at the helm is a journey in the most capable hands.
Continue exploring Raja Ampat Luxury Charter:
Our Raja Ampat Luxury Charter Service ·
Meet Our Team ·
Editorial Standards ·
Methodology ·
Sustainability ·
Safety & Compliance