Meet Our Team of Raja Ampat Experts
The quality of any expedition is defined by the people who lead it. At Raja Ampat Private, our team is our greatest asset. We are a collective of seasoned professionals, from master mariners and PADI Course Directors to marine biologists and luxury hospitality experts. Each member brings a deep-seated passion for Indonesia, a commitment to excellence, and an intimate understanding of the nuances of operating in a remote and pristine environment like Raja Ampat. Our collective expertise is the cornerstone of every seamless and unforgettable journey we create. Our work is governed by strict editorial standards to ensure you receive the most accurate and trustworthy information.
Arya Wirawan
Founder & Managing Director
Credentials: MBA in Hospitality Management (Les Roches, Switzerland), PADI Divemaster, 20+ years in Indonesian luxury tourism.
Bio: Arya is the visionary behind Raja Ampat Private. After a distinguished career managing some of Indonesia’s most iconic luxury resorts, he felt a calling to the untouched wilderness of West Papua. He founded the company under the Juara Holding Group to merge five-star service standards with authentic, conservation-focused expedition travel. Arya personally oversees our partner selection and itinerary development, ensuring that every journey reflects our core values of exclusivity, safety, and sustainability. His network within Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism (Kementerian Pariwisata) and travel associations like ASITA ensures our operations are always compliant and best-in-class.
Dr. Sariwati Nuraini
Marine Biologist & Sustainability Officer
Credentials: Ph.D. in Marine Biology (Institut Pertanian Bogor), Certified Reef Check EcoDiver Trainer, former researcher with The Nature Conservancy Indonesia.
Bio: Dr. Sari is the scientific and ethical compass of our operations. With over 15 years of field research experience within the Coral Triangle, she is a leading expert on Raja Ampat’s unique ecosystems. She designs our guest educational programs, leads our coral reef monitoring initiatives, and audits all our operations to minimize environmental impact. Dr. Sari’s work ensures that our presence in these delicate waters is a positive one, contributing valuable data to conservation partners and educating guests on the importance of preserving this global treasure. She is the driving force behind our commitment to go beyond tourism and contribute to a lasting conservation legacy.
Bastian “Basti” Rumayom
Lead Expedition Guide & Dive Operations Manager
Credentials: PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT), EFR Instructor, HPI (Himpunan Pramuwisata Indonesia) Certified Guide, 15,000+ logged dives in Raja Ampat.
Bio: Born and raised in Sorong, Basti’s knowledge of Raja Ampat’s waters is unparalleled. He has spent his entire life exploring the hidden channels of the Dampier Strait, the dramatic karsts of Wayag, and the vibrant reefs of Misool. As our lead guide, Basti is responsible for all in-water activities, ensuring the highest levels of safety and guest satisfaction. His ability to read currents, spot rare pygmy seahorses, and share local Papuan stories and legends transforms a great dive into a truly profound experience. He leads our team of local guides, all of whom are trained to the same exacting PADI and first-aid standards.
Isabelle Chen
Head of Client Relations & Charter Management
Credentials: B.A. in International Business, Certified Travel Associate (CTA), former concierge manager for Aman Resorts.
Bio: Isabelle is the master of details, ensuring every aspect of your journey is flawless from the first inquiry to the final departure. With a background in ultra-luxury hospitality, she understands the art of proactive and discreet service. Isabelle and her team are your personal point of contact, arranging everything from complex international flight connections via Jakarta (CGK) and Makassar (UPG) to Sorong (SOQ), to dietary preferences, special occasion celebrations, and private jet transfers. Her meticulous planning and unwavering commitment to guest satisfaction are what make a Raja Ampat Private charter a seamless and stress-free experience.
Continue exploring Raja Ampat Private:
Our Raja Ampat Private Service ·
Meet Our Team ·
Editorial Standards ·
Methodology ·
Sustainability ·
Safety & Compliance
Beyond standard tours: The Raja Ampat Private difference
Imagine the gentle lapping of turquoise waters against your private yacht, the vibrant hues of a sunset painting the sky over limestone karsts, and the whisper of an untouched wilderness calling your name. This is the promise of Raja Ampat Private, not just a destination, but a meticulously crafted immersion into one of Earth’s last true paradises. Our team understands that true luxury isn’t merely about opulent amenities; it’s about unparalleled access, profound authenticity, and an experience so deeply personalized it feels like an extension of your own desires.
What sets Raja Ampat Private apart is our unwavering commitment to exclusivity and the profound local knowledge our specialists possess. Unlike conventional tours, we design