Updated: May 2026
Our Team — Indonesia Luxury Marine Biodiversity Specialists
Raja Ampat Luxury Charter is a curated Indonesia luxury tourism experience offered by Raja Ampat Luxury Charter: handpicked routes, vetted operators, transparent pricing, and 24/7 concierge support across Indonesia.
- What makes Raja Ampat Luxury Charter a premium experience.
- How Raja Ampat Luxury Charter curates exclusive access and concierge logistics.
- Routes, seasons, and pricing transparency — no hidden fees.
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 navigating the heart of the Coral Triangle, 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 across Raja Ampat’s 1,500-plus islands is flawless and memorable. Our rigorous, 5-stage selection process—which includes practical navigation assessments, in-water rescue scenarios, and cultural sensitivity interviews—guarantees expertise and integrity at every level of your journey. Coral Triangle initiative
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, such as the Misool Foundation’s Ranger Patrol. Banyu personally vets every vessel against a 120-point checklist, ensuring they meet his exacting standards. This audit covers everything from engine room fire suppression systems (compliant with SOLAS standards) and advanced navigation suites to the thread count of the linens and the sustainability of the teak decking. His encyclopedic 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 coordinating private jet arrivals at Sorong’s Domine Eduard Osok Airport (SOQ) to personalized onboard provisioning. She masterfully manages a complex supply chain that spans over 2,700 kilometers from Bali to provision for complex dietary needs or source a specific vintage of Burgundy. She manages our exclusive network of partners and ensures that every detail 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 advanced conservation protocols for the Coral Triangle, including Reef Check survey methods and passive interaction techniques for megafauna. On select charters, Anya provides unparalleled 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 intricate social hierarchy at a manta cleaning station, identifying individual rays by their unique ventral spot patterns. Her direct involvement, on up to 10 exclusive charters per year, underscores our commitment to citizen science and 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, particularly his understanding of the angin timur (east wind) during the May-September months, which allows us to find sheltered anchorages while others are confined to port. He facilitates authentic interactions, from visiting the stilt village of Arborek (population ~197) to explaining traditional ‘Sasi’ conservation, a local wisdom where a reef is closed to fishing for up to a year 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 encyclopedic knowledge of the archipelago’s challenging waters. He oversees training for all vessel crews, ensuring they meet and exceed both Indonesian maritime safety standards (Direktorat Jenderal Perhubungan Laut) and the stricter principles of the International Safety Management (ISM) Code. His expertise is most evident when navigating the powerful currents of the Dampier Strait, where tidal flows can exceed 6 knots. A luxury charter with Captain Iwan at the helm is a journey in the most capable hands.
Our Onboard Crew: The Pillars of Onboard Excellence
Beyond our leadership, your experience is shaped by a dedicated onboard crew who set the standard for service in the region. Our private chefs are culinary artists, often trained in Michelin-starred environments, who create multi-course tasting menus that rival any land-based fine dining establishment. They provision locally where possible—sourcing yellowfin tuna directly from Papuan fishermen—while managing complex international inventories. Our PADI-certified Divemasters are not just guides; they are underwater naturalists, many hailing from local villages with an innate understanding of the reefs. Behind the scenes, our Chief Engineers are the unsung heroes, maintaining the complex desalination, power generation, and propulsion systems that provide five-star comfort in one of the world’s most remote locations. Their meticulous, preventative maintenance schedules are the foundation of our impeccable safety and reliability record.
Continue exploring Raja Ampat Luxury Charter:
Our Raja Ampat Luxury Charter Service ·
Meet Our Team ·
Editorial Standards ·
Methodology ·
Sustainability ·
Safety & Compliance
