Meet Our Team of Komodo Experts
At Komodo Booking, our greatest asset is our people. We are a collective of seasoned hospitality professionals, certified marine experts, and passionate Flores locals dedicated to crafting unforgettable journeys. Each member of our leadership team brings a unique perspective and a shared commitment to excellence, safety, and sustainability. We invite you to get to know the individuals who ensure your Komodo experience is second to none.
Aria Wirawan
Chief Executive Officer
Credentials: MBA in Hospitality Management (Cornell University), Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA), 15+ years experience with luxury brands including Aman Resorts and Four Seasons in Asia Pacific.
Bio: Aria is the visionary leader behind Komodo Booking. After a distinguished career managing some of the world’s most exclusive properties, he returned to his Indonesian roots with a mission to elevate the tourism standards in Eastern Indonesia. Aria’s deep understanding of the luxury traveler’s expectations, combined with his passion for showcasing authentic Indonesian culture, drives our commitment to unparalleled service. He ensures that every touchpoint, from initial inquiry to final disembarkation, reflects the highest standards of quality and care.
Captain Ismail Daeng
Head of Marine Operations & Safety
Credentials: Ahli Nautika Tingkat II (ANT II) Marine License, STCW Certified, 20+ years as a Phinisi Captain sailing the Banda, Flores, and Arafura Seas.
Bio: A native of Tanah Beru, the heartland of phinisi shipbuilding in South Sulawesi, Captain Ismail’s life is inextricably linked to the sea. He is a master navigator and a respected figure in the Indonesian liveaboard community. As our Head of Marine Operations, he is responsible for the rigorous vetting of every vessel and crew in our portfolio. He personally audits safety equipment, emergency protocols, and crew certifications, ensuring every partner meets or exceeds the standards set by the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation (Kementerian Perhubungan) and international maritime best practices. His firsthand knowledge of Komodo’s challenging currents and hidden anchorages is invaluable. Learn more about our commitment to safety and compliance.
Dr. Rina Lestari
Head of Sustainability & Community Relations
Credentials: Ph.D. in Marine Biology (Bogor Agricultural University – IPB), Certified Divemaster (PADI), former field researcher with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Indonesia.
Bio: Rina is the conscience of Komodo Booking. Her academic background and extensive fieldwork in the Coral Triangle give her a profound understanding of the delicate balance required to operate tourism in a protected marine park. She develops and oversees our sustainability policies, from single-use plastic reduction programs to carbon offsetting initiatives. Rina manages our partnerships with conservation organizations like the Komodo Survival Program and fosters relationships with local communities in villages like Papagarang and Rinca, ensuring our operations provide tangible benefits. Her work is central to our mission, detailed further on our sustainability page.
Santi Dewi
Director of Guest Experience
Credentials: Certified Tour Guide (HPI – Himpunan Pramuwisata Indonesia), Diploma in Tourism (STP Bali), fluent in English, Japanese, and Bahasa Indonesia.
Bio: Santi is the architect of our guests’ journeys. Born and raised in Flores, she possesses an encyclopedic knowledge of the region’s culture, history, and natural wonders. She leads the team of travel designers who curate personalized itineraries, matching clients with the perfect liveaboard, guide, and land-based experiences. Santi’s team is responsible for the continuous quality control of our partner guides and tour operators, ensuring they meet our high standards for knowledge, professionalism, and storytelling. Her meticulous attention to detail is what transforms a great trip into a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Bagus Prasetyo
Head of Digital & Partnerships
Credentials: B.Sc. in Information Technology (Bandung Institute of Technology – ITB), 10+ years in APAC travel technology and digital marketing.
Bio: Bagus is the technical mind that powers our seamless booking experience. He ensures our platform is intuitive, secure, and provides the most accurate, up-to-date information available. He is also responsible for building and maintaining our network of trusted partners, from airlines like Garuda Indonesia to luxury resorts like AYANA Komodo. Bagus ensures our digital presence aligns with our brand’s promise of quality and transparency, as outlined in our editorial standards. His work allows us to connect the world’s most discerning travelers with Komodo’s finest experiences through our central booking platform.
Continue exploring Komodo Booking:
Our Komodo Booking Service ·
Meet Our Team ·
Editorial Standards ·
Methodology ·
Sustainability ·
Safety & Compliance
Imagine gliding through turquoise waters, the vibrant coral reefs a kaleidoscope beneath your hull, every detail of your luxury expedition meticulously finessed by the region’s foremost specialists.
The architects of your adventure: Our diverse expertise
Beyond Aria’s visionary leadership, the true strength of Komodo Booking lies in the collective brilliance of a team whose expertise spans high-end travel and marine conservation. Our ranks include seasoned marine biologists identifying every species from pygmy seahorse to manta ray, PADI-certified dive masters intimately familiar with over 40 prime Komodo National Park dive sites, and cultural ambassadors fluent in local traditions. This multidisciplinary approach ensures every aspect of your journey, from a dragon encounter to a sunset paddle,