Updated: May 2026
Meet Our Team of Indonesia Experts
Phinisi Broker’s strength lies in its people. We are a collective of seasoned professionals from the luxury travel, marine operations, and conservation sectors, united by a passion for Indonesia. Our team’s diverse expertise ensures every aspect of your journey is meticulously planned and flawlessly executed, grounded in deep local knowledge and uncompromising international standards. Our work is guided by our rigorous Editorial Standards and a commitment to excellence.
Leadership & Concierge
Budi Santoso
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Credentials: MBA from INSEAD, Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA), 20+ years in luxury hospitality management with Aman Resorts and Four Seasons across Southeast Asia.
Budi is the visionary behind Phinisi Broker and the driving force of Juara Holding Group. Raised in a family of hoteliers in Bali, he possesses an innate understanding of gracious hospitality. After two decades managing some of the world’s most iconic luxury properties, Budi saw an opportunity to bring a new level of professionalism and service to the phinisi charter industry. He combines his extensive network within Indonesia’s elite travel circles with a sharp business acumen to ensure Phinisi Broker remains the definitive leader in luxury sea voyages. His mission is to showcase the best of his homeland with authenticity and integrity.
Dewi Lestari
Director of Operations & Marine Safety
Credentials: STCW Certified, Diploma in Maritime Business from Akademi Maritim Nusantara, former Fleet Operations Manager for a leading regional yacht management firm.
Dewi is the operational backbone of our company. With over 15 years of experience in maritime logistics and fleet management, she is responsible for the rigorous safety and compliance audits of every vessel in our portfolio. Dewi personally inspects each phinisi, reviewing everything from engine room maintenance logs to the certification of the captain and crew. She liaises directly with the Indonesian Sea and Coast Guard (KPLP) and ensures our partners adhere to both local regulations and international best practices. Her meticulous attention to detail guarantees that every phinisi broker charter we arrange meets the highest safety standards.
Agung Wijaya
Head of Client Experience & Lead Concierge
Credentials: Certified Tour Guide (HPI – Himpunan Pramuwisata Indonesia), former Head Concierge at Nihi Sumba, fluent in English, Indonesian, and Balinese.
Agung is the master of crafting unforgettable experiences. Born and raised in a small village near Ubud, he has an encyclopedic knowledge of Indonesia’s hidden gems, from secret anchorages in the Spice Islands to the most authentic cultural encounters in remote villages. Having honed his skills at one of the world’s top-rated resorts, Agung understands the nuances of ultra-luxury service. He leads our concierge team, personally overseeing the creation of bespoke itineraries that cater to the unique desires of each client. Whether it’s arranging a private audience with a local artisan or securing a world-renowned photographer for a family trip, Agung makes the impossible possible.
Specialist Advisors
Dr. Anya Sharma
Sustainability & Marine Conservation Advisor
Credentials: Ph.D. in Marine Biology from James Cook University, published researcher on coral reef ecology, consultant for WWF Indonesia and Conservation International.
Dr. Sharma guides our environmental and community initiatives, ensuring our passion for the sea translates into meaningful action. She helped develop our proprietary sustainability audit, which is a key part of our vessel evaluation process described in Our Methodology. Dr. Sharma advises on itinerary planning to minimize ecological impact, educates our partner crews on best practices, and manages our partnerships with leading conservation organizations. She is instrumental in developing our ‘citizen science’ programs, allowing guests to participate in activities like manta ray identification and coral health monitoring during their charter.
Michael Chen
Head of Partnerships & Fleet Development
Credentials: B.S. in Hospitality & Tourism Management from Cornell University, former Director of Sales for a luxury Asia-based travel consortium.
Michael is the bridge between Phinisi Broker and our network of vessel owners, resorts, and suppliers. He is responsible for identifying and onboarding new phinisis that meet our exacting standards, negotiating charter agreements, and fostering strong, collaborative relationships. With a keen eye for quality and a deep understanding of the luxury travel trade, Michael ensures our portfolio remains the most exclusive and well-maintained in Indonesia. He works tirelessly to build the trusted network that allows our concierge team to deliver seamless end-to-end travel experiences for our clients.
Continue exploring Phinisi Broker:
Our Phinisi Broker Service ·
Meet Our Team ·
Editorial Standards ·
Methodology ·
Sustainability ·
Safety & Compliance
Curating unparalleled experiences: our operational excellence
Imagine the gentle sway of a handcrafted vessel, the vibrant coral reefs beneath, and the seamless unfolding of each day – this is the promise delivered by the dedicated individuals behind Phinisi Broker. Beyond our esteemed leadership, a robust network of operational specialists works tirelessly to ensure every detail of your journey is meticulously planned and flawlessly executed. Our on-the-ground team comprises certified marine operations managers, expert dive masters, seasoned expedition leaders, and gourmet chefs, each bringing a wealth of experience from navigating Indonesia’s vast and diverse archipelago.
This collective expertise ensures not only the highest standards of luxury but also unparalleled safety and efficiency. We maintain a curated fleet of over 50 luxury phinisis, each personally inspected to meet stringent international safety and comfort protocols. Our team’s deep local knowledge allows us to anticipate every need, from securing exclusive moorings in pristine bays to arranging private guided excursions to remote villages or hidden waterfalls. With many of our vessels boasting an intimate 1:2 crew-to-guest ratio, personalized service is not just an offering, but a fundamental principle, ensuring every wish is met with discreet efficiency.
Our commitment extends to comprehensive risk assessment and emergency preparedness, drawing on decades of combined experience in complex marine environments. We leverage an extensive network of local contacts across Indonesia, from remote island communities to major logistical hubs, ensuring swift and effective support should any unforeseen circumstance arise. This intricate web of expertise and relationships is the unseen foundation that allows your luxury phinisi journey to unfold with effortless grace and absolute peace of mind.
Stewards of the archipelago: our commitment to sustainable luxury
While we craft journeys of extraordinary luxury, our profound respect for Indonesia’s unparalleled natural and cultural heritage guides every decision. Phinisi Broker is deeply invested in responsible tourism, recognizing our role as stewards of this magnificent archipelago. We forge meaningful partnerships with local communities, ensuring that the economic benefits of luxury tourism flow directly to them through ethical employment, fair trade practices, and support for local businesses and artisans. This collaborative approach helps preserve traditional livelihoods and cultural practices, enriching the experience for both our guests and the communities they visit.
Our commitment to environmental sustainability is equally robust. We actively support marine conservation initiatives, working to protect the breathtaking biodiversity of Indonesia’s coral reefs and pristine waters, particularly in globally significant areas like Raja Ampat and Komodo National Park. Our operations prioritize minimizing environmental footprints through responsible waste management, sustainable sourcing of provisions, and adherence to strict guidelines for anchoring and marine interaction. We believe that true luxury travel should enhance, not detract from, the natural beauty it seeks to explore.
Educating our guests on cultural sensitivities and responsible interaction is a cornerstone of our philosophy. We provide insights into local customs and traditions, fostering respectful engagement that leaves a positive impact. Indonesia, with its more than 17,000 islands and vast marine ecosystems, offers an unparalleled canvas for exploration. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that your voyage contributes to the long-term health and vitality of these precious environments, allowing future generations to experience the same wonder and beauty. This dedication to ethical practices is not merely an add-on; it is woven into the very fabric of our operations, reflecting a deep reverence for the destination we proudly share.
