Meet Our Team of Lombok Maritime Experts
The heart of Lombok Phinisi is our people. We are a collective of seasoned maritime professionals, hospitality experts, and passionate locals dedicated to crafting unforgettable journeys through the waters of West Nusa Tenggara. Our team’s deep-rooted knowledge of the region, combined with international standards of service, ensures your experience is seamless, safe, and truly exceptional. Every piece of advice and curated itinerary is a product of our team’s direct experience, a standard we uphold in our Editorial Standards.
Arya Santoso
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Credentials: MBA in Hospitality Management (Les Roches, Switzerland), B.Sc. in Marine Engineering (Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember), 20+ years in Indonesian luxury tourism.
Bio: Arya is the visionary behind Lombok Phinisi. Born into a family of sailors in Makassar, the spiritual home of the Phinisi, he has a lifelong passion for Indonesia’s maritime heritage. After a successful career managing five-star resorts across Bali and Lombok, Arya founded Lombok Phinisi under the Juara Holding Group to create a world-class charter service that honors tradition while embracing modern luxury. He personally oversees vessel selection and maintains our key partnerships, ensuring every charter reflects his uncompromising standards of quality. His mission is to showcase the authentic beauty of his homeland to the world, one bespoke voyage at a time.
Dewi Lestari
Head of Operations & Client Experience
Credentials: Certified Travel Associate (CTA), ASITA (Association of the Indonesian Tours & Travel Agencies) Member, Diploma in Tourism (Universitas Gadjah Mada).
Bio: Dewi is the master organizer who ensures every detail of your journey is flawless. With over 15 years of experience in high-end travel logistics in Indonesia, she has an encyclopedic knowledge of the region. Dewi and her team are your primary point of contact, meticulously planning everything from your airport transfer from Lombok International Airport (LOP) to your dietary preferences and daily activity schedules. Her calm demeanor and proactive problem-solving skills are legendary, guaranteeing a stress-free and perfectly executed private charter experience.
Captain I Komang Wirawan
Lead Captain & Marine Safety Officer
Credentials: Ahli Nautika Tingkat I (ANT I) Master Mariner Certificate, STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) Certified, Advanced First Aid & Rescue Diver.
Bio: With more than 25,000 nautical miles logged in the Indonesian archipelago, Captain Komang is one of the most respected Phinisi captains in the region. Hailing from a long line of Balinese seafarers, the ocean is his second home. His expertise in navigating the channels around Lombok and the Gili Islands is unparalleled, allowing him to guide guests to secret coves and pristine snorkeling spots far from the crowds. Captain Komang is responsible for all onboard safety protocols and crew training, ensuring our operations exceed the standards set by the Indonesian Directorate General of Sea Transportation.
Dr. Isabella Tan
Onboard Marine Biologist & Sustainability Advisor
Credentials: Ph.D. in Marine Biology (James Cook University), PADI Divemaster, Researcher with the Coral Triangle Center.
Bio: Dr. Tan provides the intellectual and conservationist heart of our voyages. Available by special request, she enriches the guest experience with her profound knowledge of the Coral Triangle’s incredible biodiversity. Isabella leads guided snorkeling and diving excursions, identifying rare species and explaining the delicate balance of the reef ecosystems around Gili Trawangan, Meno, and Air. She also advises Lombok Phinisi on our sustainability initiatives, helping us minimize our impact and contribute meaningfully to local conservation efforts like the Gili Eco Trust. Her passion is infectious, turning a beautiful holiday into an educational and inspiring adventure.
Made Wijaya
Head Chef & Culinary Curator
Credentials: Culinary Arts Diploma (Bali Tourism Institute), Former Sous Chef at The Oberoi, Lombok.
Bio: Made believes that a journey is a feast for all the senses. He designs our onboard menus to be a celebration of Indonesian flavors, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients from Lombok’s fertile farms and fish markets. From gourmet multi-course dinners under the stars to casual beach barbecues on a deserted island, Made’s culinary creations are a highlight of every charter. He is adept at catering to any dietary requirement and takes great pride in personalizing the dining experience to match the preferences of each guest, ensuring every meal is as memorable as the scenery.
Continue exploring Lombok Phinisi:
Our Lombok Phinisi Service ·
Meet Our Team ·
Editorial Standards ·
Methodology ·
Sustainability ·
Safety & Compliance
Imagine the gentle creak of the timber hull, the whisper of the sails catching the tropical breeze – this is the prelude to an extraordinary voyage, meticulously planned and flawlessly executed by a team whose passion for the Indonesian archipelago runs as deep as its sapphire waters.
Beyond the helm: Our on-the-ground experts
While Arya Santoso guides Lombok Phinisi, the daily magic unfolds through a dedicated ensemble of maritime and hospitality specialists. This includes seasoned Phinisi captains, whose navigational prowess has been honed over decades, alongside expert dive masters, gourmet chefs, and attentive stewards, each crucial to your journey.
Our team extends far beyond the vessel itself. Onshore, a network of local guides, logistics coordinators, and cultural liaisons