Meet Our Team of Indonesia Luxury Cruise Specialists
The soul of Lombok Cruise lies in its people. We have meticulously assembled a team that embodies a rare fusion: the precision and foresight of international luxury travel management combined with the invaluable, nuanced understanding of Indonesia’s culture, geography, and maritime traditions. Each member is a master of their craft, united by a shared passion for creating unforgettable journeys and a deep respect for the archipelago. Our collective experience is your guarantee of a seamless, safe, and authentically Indonesian adventure.
Leadership & Curation
Budi Santoso
Founder & Managing Director
Credentials: M.M. in Hospitality (Cornell University), 15+ years with Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts (Asia Pacific)
The visionary behind the Juara Holding Group’s luxury travel division, Budi brings a lifetime of experience in five-star hospitality to the world of private yachting. After a distinguished career managing flagship properties across Southeast Asia, Budi returned to his native Indonesia with a mission to create a travel company that operated at the highest international standard while remaining deeply Indonesian at its core. He personally oversees our partner relations and ensures the ‘Juara Standard’ is met on every single voyage. His philosophy is simple: “True luxury is not about opulence, but about perfect, anticipatory service and access to the inaccessible.”
Dewi Lestari
Head of Operations & Guest Relations
Credentials: Certified Tour Leader (HPI – Himpunan Pramuwisata Indonesia), Member of ASITA (Association of the Indonesian Tours & Travel Agencies)
Born and raised on the shores of Lombok, Dewi is the heart of our operations. Her logistical expertise is matched only by her encyclopedic knowledge of the region’s hidden gems. Dewi manages the complex symphony of ground transfers, provisioning, crew scheduling, and port clearances. Her deep-rooted connections within local communities allow us to create authentic cultural experiences that are respectful and enriching for both our guests and the communities we visit. Dewi ensures every detail of your journey is flawlessly executed, from the moment your plane touches down at LOP to your final departure.
Marcus Thorne
Lead Experience Curator
Credentials: 10+ years as a private yacht charter consultant in the Mediterranean & Caribbean
Marcus brings a global perspective to itinerary design. Having spent a decade crafting bespoke superyacht charters for a discerning international clientele, he understands the nuances of ultra-luxury travel. Marcus works directly with our clients to translate their dreams into a detailed, day-by-day reality. Whether the goal is a multi-generational family adventure, a dedicated surfari to Sumbawa’s best breaks, or a romantic escape to the most secluded coves, Marcus excels at pacing, personalization, and weaving in ‘surprise and delight’ moments that elevate a great trip into an extraordinary one. His process is informed by our strict editorial standards for destination research.
Captain I Wayan Sudiarta
Marine Operations & Safety Officer
Credentials: Ahli Nautika Tingkat I (ANT I) – Master Mariner Class 1, STCW Certified, 20+ years as Captain of Phinisi and charter vessels
Safety is our paramount concern, and Captain Wayan is its ultimate guarantor. A highly respected veteran of the Indonesian maritime industry, he is responsible for auditing the safety protocols, maintenance logs, and crew certifications of every vessel we partner with. He doesn’t just review paperwork; he is on the docks and in the engine rooms, ensuring compliance with both Indonesian maritime law (regulated by the Ditjen Perhubungan Laut) and our own stricter standards. Captain Wayan also serves as our lead trainer, conducting regular emergency drills and professional development for our partner crews, ensuring they are prepared for any contingency.
Dr. Siti Aminah
Sustainability & Community Impact Advisor
Credentials: Ph.D. in Marine Biology (University of Indonesia), former field researcher with The Nature Conservancy Indonesia
Dr. Aminah guides our commitment to responsible tourism. She develops our sustainability policies, from our single-use plastic reduction program to our carbon offsetting initiatives. She liaises with our conservation partners like WWF Indonesia and the Coral Triangle Center to ensure our Lombok cruise itineraries adhere to the latest best practices for marine wildlife interaction and coral reef protection. Dr. Aminah also oversees the Juara Foundation’s community projects, ensuring our presence provides tangible, positive benefits to the local villages and ecosystems that make this region so special.
Continue exploring Lombok Cruise:
Our Lombok Cruise Service ·
Meet Our Team ·
Editorial Standards ·
Methodology ·
Sustainability ·
Safety & Compliance