Meet Our Team of Komodo Maritime Experts
The Heart of Your Journey: Experts, Stewards, and Storytellers
At Phinisi Boat Komodo, our greatest asset is our people. We are a collective of seasoned hospitality professionals, maritime specialists, conservation advocates, and proud Indonesian locals. With decades of combined experience in the waters of the Komodo archipelago and deep roots in the communities of Flores and South Sulawesi, our team offers an unparalleled level of expertise and passion. Our work is guided by a strict set of editorial and operational standards to ensure every piece of advice and every curated journey is second to none.
Banyu Wirawan
Founder & Managing Director
Credentials: B.Sc. Hospitality Management (STP NHI Bandung), PADI Advanced Open Water Diver
With over 15 years of experience managing some of Indonesia’s most iconic luxury resorts, including properties for Aman and Alila, Banyu brings a deep understanding of world-class service to the maritime world. A native of Java with family ties to Makassar, he founded Phinisi Boat Komodo to merge his passion for sailing with his commitment to showcasing Indonesia’s authentic cultural heritage. Banyu personally oversees our vessel selection process and fosters our key relationships with partners and government bodies like the Ministry of Tourism (Kemenparekraf).
Dewi Sartika
Head of Operations (Labuan Bajo)
Credentials: ASITA Certified Travel Professional, Certified Tour Guide (HPI)
Based permanently in Labuan Bajo, Dewi is the logistical heart of our operations. A native of Flores, she possesses an intricate knowledge of the local landscape, regulations, and communities. Dewi manages all ground operations, crew scheduling, and provisions sourcing. Her long-standing relationships with the Komodo National Park Authority and the Syahbandar (Harbour Master) ensure every voyage we operate is seamless, safe, and fully compliant. She is the crucial link between our guests’ dreams and the on-the-ground reality.
Andi Yusuf
Lead Vessel Specialist & Heritage Consultant
Credentials: B.Eng. Marine Engineering (ITS Surabaya), Bugis Panrita Lopi Apprenticeship
Andi is our guardian of authenticity and safety. Hailing from a family of boat builders in Bira, South Sulawesi, he has phinisi craftsmanship in his blood. Andi leads our rigorous vessel inspection and audit program, as detailed in our methodology. He meticulously examines everything from the integrity of the ironwood hull to the maintenance records of the engine and the calibration of navigational equipment. His expertise ensures that every vessel in our collection is not only luxurious but fundamentally seaworthy and true to its heritage.
Isabelle Dubois
Head of Guest Experience & Charter Curation
Credentials: IATA Certified Travel Consultant, WSET Level 2 Award in Wines
Originally from France, Isabelle has spent the last decade curating bespoke travel experiences across Southeast Asia. She is a master of detail, translating client desires into flawless itineraries. From arranging private yoga instructors and specialist dive guides to curating wine lists and accommodating complex dietary requirements, Isabelle ensures the onboard experience transcends expectations. Fluent in English, French, and Bahasa Indonesia, she is the primary point of contact for our clients from their initial inquiry until their return home.
Eka Putra
Sustainability & Community Impact Manager
Credentials: M.Sc. Marine Biology (Institut Pertanian Bogor), Komodo Tour Guide License
Eka is our conscience. A trained marine biologist who has worked on conservation projects with WWF Indonesia and The Nature Conservancy, he is responsible for developing and implementing our sustainability policies. He manages our partnerships with organizations like the Komodo Survival Program, oversees our carbon offsetting initiatives, and ensures all our charters operate under the principles of ‘Leave No Trace’. Eka also leads our community outreach programs, ensuring local villages in and around the park benefit directly from our tourism activities. Learn more about his work on our sustainability page.
Continue exploring Phinisi Boat Komodo:
Our Phinisi Boat Komodo Service ·
Meet Our Team ·
Editorial Standards ·
Methodology ·
Sustainability ·
Safety & Compliance
Imagine the gentle slap of waves against aged teak, the scent of salt and exotic spices carried on a tropical breeze as your luxury phinisi glides through the cerulean waters of Komodo.
The architects of your Komodo journey
Beyond Banyu’s visionary leadership, the true magic of a Phinisi Boat Komodo experience unfolds through the seamless collaboration of our diverse and dedicated crew. Each individual, from the seasoned captain navigating intricate currents to the attentive steward anticipating your every need, plays a pivotal role in crafting an unforgettable voyage. Our team represents a curated ensemble of expertise, merging traditional Indonesian hospitality with world-class maritime proficiency, ensuring that every moment aboard your luxury phinisi is imbued with comfort, safety, and authentic discovery.
Our maritime specialists are