Updated: May 2026
Meet Our Team of Indonesia Maritime Experts
The soul of Phinisi Yacht Charter Atelier is our people. We are a collective of seasoned professionals, each a specialist in their respective field, united by a shared passion for Indonesia and a commitment to delivering flawless luxury experiences. Our team’s deep-rooted expertise, from maritime operations to bespoke itinerary design, is the cornerstone of our service and your guarantee of an exceptional voyage.
Banyu Wirawan
Founder & Managing Director, Juara Holding Group
Credentials: MBA, INSEAD; Certified Travel Professional, ASITA (Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies).
Bio: With a background in luxury hospitality management at Aman Resorts and Four Seasons across Asia, Banyu brings a world-class understanding of five-star service to the maritime world. A descendant of a family of traders from Makassar, he has a profound personal connection to the phinisi legacy. Banyu founded Juara Holding Group to create a portfolio of best-in-class Indonesian travel experiences, with Phinisi Yacht Charter Atelier as its crown jewel. He personally oversees our strategic partnerships and ensures the company’s vision for sustainable, authentic luxury is upheld in every charter.
Sari Dewi
Head of Client Relations & Itinerary Design
Credentials: 15+ years in luxury travel concierge; Certified Indonesia Specialist.
Bio: Sari is the master architect of our clients’ dreams. Having spent over a decade crafting bespoke journeys for high-net-worth individuals at exclusive properties like Nihi Sumba, she possesses an encyclopedic knowledge of Indonesia’s hidden gems. Sari’s expertise lies in translating a client’s desires into a perfectly paced, highly personalized itinerary. She speaks fluent English, French, and Bahasa Indonesia, and her network of contacts throughout the archipelago allows her to arrange experiences that are simply unavailable to others.
Captain Iwan Santoso
Director of Maritime Operations & Safety
Credentials: Ahli Nautika Tingkat I (ANT I) / Master Mariner Class 1; SOLAS, STCW, GMDSS certified.
Bio: A veteran of the Indonesian seas, Captain Iwan has over 25 years of experience navigating everything from commercial vessels to luxury yachts across the archipelago. His technical expertise is second to none. He is responsible for the rigorous safety and operational audits of every vessel in our portfolio, ensuring they not only meet but exceed the standards set by the Indonesian Directorate General of Sea Transportation (Direktorat Jenderal Perhubungan Laut). Captain Iwan’s deep understanding of local weather patterns, currents, and port regulations (KSOP) is an invaluable asset that ensures the safety and comfort of our guests.
Dr. Rina Kartika
Marine Biologist & Sustainability Officer
Credentials: Ph.D. in Marine Biology, Institut Pertanian Bogor (IPB); PADI Divemaster; Former Field Researcher for WWF Indonesia.
Bio: Dr. Rina is the guardian of our environmental ethos. Her academic and field experience, including coral reef restoration projects in Raja Ampat and conservation work with the Komodo Survival Program, informs our entire operational philosophy. She develops our sustainability guidelines, vets the eco-credentials of our partner vessels, and designs our conservation-focused guest experiences. Dr. Rina often joins special charters as an onboard expert, enriching the journey with her profound knowledge of the Coral Triangle’s incredible biodiversity. Her work ensures our voyages are not just luxurious, but also responsible. Learn more about our commitment in our Sustainability Policy.
Gede Pratama
Head of Culinary & Onboard Experience
Credentials: Culinary training in classic French techniques; 20 years experience in fine dining, including Head Chef roles at leading Bali restaurants.
Bio: Gede believes that the culinary journey is as important as the sea voyage itself. He works directly with clients and the onboard chefs of our partner vessels to design bespoke menus that reflect guest preferences while showcasing the best of Indonesia’s incredible produce. From sourcing fresh seafood directly from local fishermen in the Aru Islands to curating a cellar of fine wines, Gede elevates onboard dining to an art form. He is a master of modern Indonesian gastronomy and ensures that every meal is a memorable event, perfectly tailored to the setting and the occasion.
Continue exploring Phinisi Yacht Charter Atelier:
Our Phinisi Yacht Charter Atelier Service ·
Meet Our Team ·
Editorial Standards ·
Methodology ·
Sustainability ·
Safety & Compliance
