Meet Our Team of Indonesia Luxury Travel Specialists
The heart of Phinisi Bali is not our fleet of magnificent vessels, but the collective expertise, passion, and dedication of our people. We are a handpicked team of maritime professionals, luxury hospitality veterans, and cultural experts united by a single purpose: to deliver the most exceptional and authentic travel experiences in the Indonesian archipelago. Each member brings a unique set of skills and a deep love for Indonesia, ensuring that every aspect of your journey is thoughtfully considered and flawlessly executed. Our commitment to accuracy and expertise is further detailed in our Editorial Standards.
Budi Santoso
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Juara Holding Group
Credentials: B.Sc. in Hospitality Management, STP NHI Bandung; Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA); 25+ years in Indonesian luxury hospitality (former GM with Aman Resorts and Four Seasons).
Bio: Budi is the visionary behind Juara Holding Group and its specialist Phinisi Bali division. After a distinguished career managing some of the world’s most iconic luxury resorts, Budi saw an opportunity to elevate Indonesia’s maritime tourism to a global standard. He combines a profound respect for his country’s cultural heritage with an uncompromising demand for five-star service and safety. Budi personally oversees our partner relationships and sets the strategic direction for our sustainability initiatives, ensuring that our growth benefits both our clients and the local communities we visit.
Isabelle Dubois
Head of Client Relations & Experience
Credentials: IATA Certified Travel Professional; Diploma in International Tourism; Fluent in English, French, and Bahasa Indonesia.
Bio: With over 15 years living and working in Bali’s high-end travel sector, Isabelle is the primary architect of our clients’ journeys. Her encyclopedic knowledge of the archipelago and her extensive network of contacts—from private chefs to local artisans—are unparalleled. Isabelle excels at understanding the nuanced desires of our clients and translating them into seamless, personalized itineraries. She leads the concierge team, ensuring that every request, from a last-minute private helicopter transfer to sourcing a rare vintage wine, is handled with grace and efficiency.
Captain I Wayan Karsana
Director of Maritime Operations
Credentials: Master Mariner Class I (ANT I), Indonesian Ministry of Transportation; 20+ years as Captain in Komodo, Raja Ampat, and the Banda Sea; Certified SOLAS and Advanced Fire Fighting.
Bio: Captain Wayan is the guardian of our safety standards and the leader of our seafaring teams. A highly respected figure in the Indonesian maritime community, he grew up in a family of sailors and has spent his life navigating these waters. He is responsible for vetting every captain and crew member in our network, auditing vessel safety equipment, and monitoring real-time sailing conditions using data from the BMKG (Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency). His deep, practical knowledge ensures that every phinisi charter we arrange is not only luxurious but supremely safe.
Dewi Lestari
Lead Itinerary Curator & Sustainability Officer
Credentials: M.Sc. in Marine Biology, Universitas Indonesia; PADI Divemaster; Certified Komodo National Park Guide.
Bio: Dewi is the soul of our itineraries. With her academic background in marine biology and her passion for Indonesia’s diverse cultures, she designs experiences that are both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. Dewi is our liaison with conservation partners like WWF Indonesia and the Komodo Survival Program. She crafts our low-impact travel protocols, develops educational materials for our guests, and ensures that our journeys contribute positively to the preservation of the delicate ecosystems and communities we are privileged to visit.
Agus Wijaya
Head of Safety & Regulatory Compliance
Credentials: Certified Maritime Safety Officer (Ahli K3 Umum); ISO 9001 Lead Auditor; Specialist in Indonesian Port Authority (KSOP) regulations.
Bio: Agus is our expert in the complex world of Indonesian maritime law and safety compliance. He manages all vessel documentation, ensuring every phinisi in our portfolio is fully licensed and insured, with all certifications—from the SIUP PARIWISATA to the crew’s BPJS Ketenagakerjaan (social security)—in perfect order. Agus conducts our rigorous pre-season audits and spot-checks, guaranteeing that our operational standards not only meet but exceed national requirements. His meticulous work is the bedrock of the peace of mind we provide to our clients.
Continue exploring Phinisi Bali:
Our Phinisi Bali Service ·
Meet Our Team ·
Editorial Standards ·
Methodology ·
Sustainability ·
Safety & Compliance
The gentle sway of a handcrafted phinisi, the scent of salt and exotic spices on the breeze – these are the initial whispers of an Indonesian odyssey meticulously designed by our specialists.
The art of crafting your bespoke Indonesian voyage
At Phinisi Bali, we believe a true luxury journey is not merely a trip; it is a personalized narrative, thoughtfully woven around your unique desires. Our dedicated team excels in translating your aspirations into tangible, luxurious experiences. This bespoke approach begins with a deep dive into your preferences, pace, and passions, allowing us to understand the essence of your ideal escape. Whether you envision serene days spent lounging on deck, thrilling underwater explorations, or profound cultural encounters, this initial consultation establishes the foundation for a voyage that