Meet Our Team of Raja Ampat Experts

The soul of Raja Ampat Phinisi is our people. We are not a faceless corporation; we are a dedicated group of passionate professionals, each with a deep-rooted connection to Indonesia’s maritime world. Our collective expertise in luxury travel, marine biology, PADI-certified diving, and Phinisi operations is the cornerstone of our authority and the reason our clients trust us with their most valuable asset: their time. Our team’s firsthand knowledge is the foundation of our Editorial Standards and the driving force behind every unforgettable journey we create.

Banyu Wirawan

Founder & Chief Experience Officer

Credentials: PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer, Certified Yachtmaster, 25+ Years in Indonesian Marine Tourism

Bio: Banyu’s life has been inextricably linked to the sea. Growing up in a family of Bugis sailors in South Sulawesi, he developed an intimate understanding of the Phinisi tradition from a young age. After a distinguished career managing some of Indonesia’s most renowned liveaboards, he founded Raja Ampat Phinisi to share his passion with the world. Banyu personally vets every vessel and captain in our portfolio, ensuring they meet his exacting standards. He has logged over 5,000 dives in Raja Ampat and his knowledge of the region’s currents, secret spots, and marine life is unparalleled. He is our visionary, ensuring every charter is not just a trip, but a genuine expedition.

Sari Dewi

Director of Client Relations

Credentials: Certified Luxury Travel Advisor, 15+ Years in UHNW Hospitality (formerly with Aman Resorts and Nihi Sumba)

Bio: Sari is the architect of our clients’ dreams. With a background managing guest experiences at some of the world’s most exclusive resorts, she possesses an innate understanding of the nuances of five-star service, privacy, and personalization. Sari is the primary point of contact for our clients, translating their desires into flawlessly executed itineraries. From arranging seamless transfers from Sorong (SOQ) to sourcing specific culinary requests and coordinating special celebrations onboard, Sari ensures every moment of the journey is effortless and exceptional.

Markus Mambrasar

Lead Expedition Guide & Marine Biologist

Credentials: M.Sc. Marine Biology, Universitas Papua (UNIPA); Certified Raja Ampat Local Guide (HPI); PADI Divemaster

Bio: Born and raised in Waisai, the capital of the Raja Ampat Regency, Markus offers an authentic connection to the land and sea that cannot be learned from a book. As a marine biologist, he provides guests with incredible insights into the complex ecosystem of the Coral Triangle, identifying rare endemic species and explaining the science behind the region’s staggering biodiversity. As a member of the local Papuan community, he facilitates respectful and meaningful cultural exchanges. Markus is fluent in English, Indonesian, and several local dialects, acting as a bridge between our guests and the soul of Raja Ampat.

Captain Iwan Santoso

Director of Fleet Operations & Safety

Credentials: Ahli Nautika Tingkat I (ANT I) Master Mariner License; 30+ Years as a Phinisi Captain; Certified Maritime Safety Auditor

Bio: Captain Iwan is the guardian of our fleet’s safety and operational integrity. A highly respected veteran captain, he has navigated every corner of the Indonesian archipelago. He now oversees our rigorous safety protocols, crew training programs, and vessel maintenance schedules. Captain Iwan ensures every yacht in our portfolio is in full compliance with Indonesian Ministry of Transportation (Kementerian Perhubungan) regulations and international maritime best practices. His uncompromising commitment to safety, detailed in our Safety & Compliance standards, provides our clients with absolute peace of mind.

Dr. Lena Schmidt

Sustainability Advisor

Credentials: PhD in Coral Reef Ecology, Conservation International Fellow

Bio: Dr. Schmidt works with our team on a consultancy basis to guide our environmental and community initiatives. She helps us develop and implement our sustainability policies, from carbon offsetting programs to partnerships with organizations like The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Indonesia. Her scientific guidance ensures our operations not only minimize impact but actively contribute to the conservation and research efforts vital for protecting Raja Ampat for future generations. Her work is central to our mission, which you can explore further on our Sustainability page.

This core team is supported by a dedicated network of vetted professionals—from private chefs and spa therapists to expert bird-watching guides and underwater photographers. Together, we are singularly focused on delivering the ultimate Raja Ampat phinisi charter experience.

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

Feel the ancient timbers of a handcrafted Phinisi hum beneath your feet as you navigate the pristine waters of Raja Ampat, a testament to centuries of Indonesian maritime heritage.

The enduring legacy of the Phinisi and our craft

More than just a vessel, the Phinisi is a magnificent symbol of Indonesia’s rich seafaring tradition. These two-masted wooden schooners, originally built by the Bugis and Makassar people of South Sulawesi, embody a shipbuilding heritage passed down through generations. Each plank, each curve, tells a story of skill, resilience, and an intimate connection to the ocean. In 2017, UNESCO recognized the Phinisi boatbuilding tradition as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, underscoring its profound cultural significance. Our team reveres this legacy, ensuring every journey not only offers unparalleled luxury but also honors the spirit of these magnificent ships.

Our commitment to the Phinisi tradition extends to every aspect of our operations. We work closely with master craftsmen, combining their ancestral knowledge with modern safety standards and luxury amenities. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that while you experience the authentic charm of a traditional wooden schooner, you also enjoy the pinnacle of comfort and sophistication. From the robust construction to the elegant interiors, our Phinisi yachts are curated to provide a unique blend of historical reverence and contemporary indulgence, setting the stage for an extraordinary adventure.

Unveiling Raja Ampat’s untouched splendor

Raja Ampat, a sprawling archipelago in West Papua, is globally recognized as the epicenter of marine biodiversity, often referred to as the “Amazon of the Seas.” This remote paradise encompasses over 1,500 islands, cays, and shoals, forming a breathtaking mosaic of jungle-clad limestone karsts rising from turquoise waters. Beneath the surface lies an aquatic wonderland, home to over 75% of the world’s coral species and more than 1,400 types of fish. Our team’s deep knowledge of these intricate ecosystems allows us to guide you to secret lagoons, vibrant coral gardens, and teeming dive sites that remain untouched by mainstream tourism.

Our bespoke Raja Ampat expeditions are meticulously crafted to immerse you in this unparalleled natural beauty. Whether you are an avid diver eager to explore kaleidoscopic reefs and encounter majestic manta rays, a keen snorkeler wishing to glide alongside sea turtles, or simply seeking serene moments amidst spectacular landscapes, our itineraries are tailored to your desires. We navigate through hidden passages, anchor in secluded bays, and arrange intimate encounters with local communities, offering a perspective on Raja Ampat that only true specialists can provide. Every day brings a new discovery, from spotting endemic bird species on a jungle trek to witnessing the mesmerizing dance of bioluminescent plankton after sunset.

Beyond the horizon: our commitment to sustainable luxury

Operating within a region as ecologically vital as Raja Ampat comes with a profound responsibility. Our philosophy of luxury travel is inextricably linked with a steadfast commitment to sustainability and conservation. We believe that true luxury lies in experiencing pristine environments while actively contributing to their preservation. Our expeditions are designed with a minimal impact approach, adhering to strict “leave no trace” principles to protect the delicate marine and terrestrial ecosystems that make Raja Ampat so extraordinary.

We champion responsible tourism through various initiatives, including supporting local communities and collaborating with marine conservation efforts. Our small group sizes, typically hosting a maximum of 12 guests, ensure an intimate experience while minimizing our ecological footprint. We educate our guests on the importance of conservation, fostering a deeper appreciation for Raja Ampat’s natural wonders. By choosing to travel with us, you become part of a journey that not only promises unparalleled adventure and luxury but also contributes positively to the future of this irreplaceable global treasure, ensuring its splendor endures for generations to come.