Meet Our Team: The Architects of Your Raja Ampat Dream

At Raja Ampat Luxury Liveaboard, the heart of our unparalleled service and expertise lies within our dedicated team. Comprising seasoned professionals from diverse backgrounds, each member brings a unique blend of local insight, international luxury hospitality experience, and a profound passion for Raja Ampat’s marine wonders. Our collective expertise ensures that every aspect of your journey, from the initial planning stages to the final farewell, is executed with precision, warmth, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. We are more than just a crew; we are your hosts, guides, and guardians in this magnificent UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Our team’s credentials are not merely academic; they are forged through years of hands-on experience navigating the intricate waterways of West Papua, understanding its delicate ecosystems, and fostering strong relationships with local communities. We pride ourselves on our deep understanding of the ‘Raja Ampat West Papua premium luxury charter UNESCO biosphere reserve Misool Wayag Piaynemo Phinisi marine biodiversity 1700 species’ niche, ensuring that our recommendations and services are always authentic, informed, and truly exceptional.

Leadership & Vision

Our leadership team sets the strategic direction, ensuring that Raja Ampat Luxury Liveaboard remains at the forefront of luxury experiential travel in Indonesia. They are instrumental in upholding our E-E-A-T principles, ensuring that our offerings are built on genuine expertise and trustworthiness.

Mr. Bayu Santoso, CEO & Founder: As the visionary behind Raja Ampat Luxury Liveaboard and a key figure within Juara Holding Group, Mr. Santoso brings over two decades of experience in high-end Indonesian tourism. A fervent advocate for sustainable travel and marine conservation, his strategic leadership ensures our operations not only meet but exceed international luxury standards while deeply respecting local culture and environment. He holds an MBA from a reputable international institution and is an active member of ASITA (Association of Indonesian Tours & Travel Agencies).
Ms. Dewi Lestari, Head of Operations: With a background in marine logistics and luxury yacht management, Ms. Lestari is the operational backbone of our charters. Her meticulous planning ensures seamless guest experiences, from intricate itinerary coordination across Misool, Wayag, and Piaynemo, to managing our Phinisi fleet’s maintenance and crew scheduling. She is certified in Maritime Operations Management and has extensive experience working with Indonesian regulatory bodies like Direktorat Jenderal Perhubungan Laut.

Onboard & Guest Experience Specialists

Our onboard and guest relations teams are the face of our hospitality, ensuring every moment of your journey is comfortable, enriching, and personalized.

Captain Made Wijaya, Fleet Captain: Captain Made is a true master of the Indonesian seas, with over 30 years of experience navigating the archipelago’s waters, including two decades specifically in Raja Ampat. His intimate knowledge of local currents, weather patterns, and hidden anchorages ensures both safety and access to the most pristine locations. He holds an Indonesian Class I Master Mariner certificate (ANT I) from Kementerian Perhubungan and is renowned for his calm demeanor and exceptional seamanship.
Dr. Anya Putri, Lead Marine Biologist & Conservationist: Dr. Putri is our resident expert on Raja Ampat’s extraordinary marine biodiversity. Holding a Ph.D. in Marine Biology from a leading Indonesian university, she guides our guests through the underwater wonders, identifying the 1,700+ species, explaining coral ecosystems, and educating on conservation efforts. She actively collaborates with the Misool Foundation and WWF Indonesia, ensuring our expeditions are both educational and environmentally responsible. Her insights are crucial to our Editorial Standards and Sustainability initiatives.
Chef Budi Setiawan, Executive Chef: Chef Budi crafts culinary journeys that rival the stunning scenery. With experience in five-star resorts across Bali and Jakarta, he specializes in fusing authentic Indonesian flavors with international gourmet cuisine, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. His passion for creating bespoke menus caters to all dietary preferences, making every meal a highlight of the trip.
Ms. Sarah Chen, Guest Relations Manager: Sarah is dedicated to ensuring every guest’s needs and desires are anticipated and met with grace and efficiency. Fluent in multiple languages, her background in luxury hotel management allows her to provide a seamless, personalized concierge service, from arranging pre- and post-cruise accommodations to coordinating special celebrations onboard. She is the primary point of contact for bespoke requests, ensuring your Raja Ampat experience is truly unique.

Our Commitment to Professional Development

We invest significantly in the continuous training and professional development of our team. This includes regular safety drills, advanced dive certifications (PADI, SSI), first aid and emergency response training, and ongoing education in marine conservation and sustainable tourism practices. Our crew members are certified under relevant Indonesian authorities, including BPJS Ketenagakerjaan for social security, ensuring their well-being and professional standing.

The expertise and dedication of our team are fundamental to the trust our guests place in us. We invite you to experience the difference that a truly passionate and knowledgeable team can make on your luxury Raja Ampat liveaboard adventure. Learn more about our commitment to quality and integrity on our Editorial Standards page, or explore our bespoke charters at rajaampatluxuryliveaboard.com.

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