The heart of Private Komodo Charter is our people. A luxury vessel is nothing without an expert crew, and a beautiful itinerary is meaningless without a knowledgeable guide. Our team is a carefully selected group of seasoned professionals, each bringing a wealth of experience, local insight, and a shared passion for delivering extraordinary experiences in Komodo National Park. We invest heavily in their training, certification, and well-being, ensuring that the person guiding your journey is not just an employee, but a true expert and a proud ambassador of Indonesian hospitality.
Leadership
Arya Wijaya
Founder & Managing Director
Credentials: B.S. in Hospitality Management (STP NHI Bandung), PADI Advanced Open Water Diver, Certified Sommelier.
Bio: Arya brings over 15 years of experience in luxury hospitality, with a background managing operations for some of Indonesia’s most prestigious five-star resorts. A native of Indonesia with a global perspective, Arya founded Private Komodo Charter to bridge the gap between high-end adventure travel and authentic, sustainable local experiences. He personally oversees our service standards and partnership development, ensuring that every aspect of the guest experience reflects the excellence of the Juara Holding Group. His vision is to establish our brand as the gold standard for private charters in Southeast Asia.
David Situmorang
Head of Marine Operations & Safety
Credentials: Master Mariner Certificate (Ahli Nautika Tingkat I – ANT I), STCW, GMDSS, and SOLAS certifications.
Bio: With more than two decades of experience at sea, Captain David is the bedrock of our safety and operational integrity. Having captained vessels ranging from commercial ships to private yachts across the Indonesian archipelago, his knowledge of Komodo’s challenging currents and weather patterns is unparalleled. David is responsible for crew training, vessel maintenance schedules, and the implementation of our rigorous Emergency Action Plans. He personally vets and certifies every captain in our fleet, ensuring that our standards for safety are the most stringent in Labuan Bajo.
Sari Dewi
Lead Experience Curator
Credentials: Certified Senior Tour Guide (Himpunan Pramuwisata Indonesia – HPI), B.A. in English Literature.
Bio: Born and raised on the island of Flores, Sari possesses an intimate connection to the land, sea, and culture of the Komodo region. She is the architect behind our bespoke itineraries. Sari’s talent lies in her ability to listen to a client’s desires—be it photography, family adventure, or romantic seclusion—and translate them into a flawless daily schedule. She knows which coves are sheltered from the wind, the best times to see manta rays at Manta Point, and where to find the most vibrant coral gardens for snorkeling. Her extensive network within the local community allows us to offer unique cultural experiences that go beyond the standard tourist trail.
Budi Santoso
Lead Naturalist Guide & Conservation Liaison
Credentials: M.S. in Marine Biology (Institut Pertanian Bogor – IPB), Komodo National Park Official Guide License, PADI Divemaster.
Bio: Budi is our resident expert on the incredible biodiversity of Komodo National Park. His passion is infectious, and his knowledge is encyclopedic. On our charters, Budi leads educational briefings on the ecology of the Komodo dragon, the behavior of manta rays, and the importance of coral reef conservation. He serves as our direct liaison with conservation partners like the Komodo Survival Program and Manta Trust, ensuring our operations align with the latest scientific research and best practices. A day with Budi transforms a beautiful boat trip into a profound learning experience.
Our Captains, Crew, and Guides
Beyond our leadership, our extended team of captains, engineers, chefs, and support crew are the soul of our operation. Each member is selected not only for their professional qualifications but for their warm, hospitable nature. All captains hold the required Indonesian maritime licenses (e.g., ANKAPIN), and all crew members undergo regular training in first aid, safety drills, and five-star service standards. They are all full-time employees, covered by BPJS Ketenagakerjaan (social security) and BPJS Kesehatan (health insurance), reflecting our commitment to their welfare.
When you step aboard one of our vessels, you are not just a client; you are a guest in their home. Their pride in showcasing the beauty of Komodo is what makes every Private Komodo Charter truly exceptional.
Continue exploring Private Komodo Charter:
Our Private Komodo Charter Service ·
Meet Our Team ·
Editorial Standards ·
Methodology ·
Sustainability ·
Safety & Compliance