Updated: May 2026
Meet Our Team of Indonesia Specialists
The soul of Kanawaisland lies in the passion and expertise of our people. We are a collective of seasoned hospitality professionals, certified nature guides, marine conservationists, and logistical experts, all united by a deep love for the Indonesian archipelago. Each member of our team brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective, ensuring that every journey we craft is authentic, seamless, and truly unforgettable. Our collective knowledge is the foundation of our Kanawa Island Guide and the promise of quality behind our brand.
Budi Santoso
Founder & Chairman, Juara Holding Group
Credentials: B.S. in Hospitality Management, Cornell University; 25+ years in Indonesian luxury hotel development.
Bio: Budi is the visionary behind Juara Holding Group and its specialist brand, Kanawaisland. Born in Jakarta with family roots in Flores, Budi has spent his career developing some of Indonesia’s most iconic luxury properties. His philosophy is rooted in ‘Mewah Alami’ (Natural Luxury), emphasizing sustainable practices and authentic cultural integration. Budi’s extensive network and deep understanding of the Indonesian regulatory landscape ensure that Kanawaisland operates at the highest level of compliance and excellence. He personally oversees our community investment initiatives, ensuring our presence creates a lasting positive impact.
Dr. Alya Mariska
Head of Conservation & Lead Experience Guide
Credentials: Ph.D. in Marine Biology, Universitas Hasanuddin; PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer; Certified Komodo National Park Guide.
Bio: Dr. Alya is the heart of our on-the-ground experiences. With over 15 years of research experience within the Coral Triangle, her knowledge of the Komodo National Park’s marine ecosystem is unparalleled. She has published papers on manta ray conservation and works closely with organizations like the Komodo Survival Program and Manta Trust. Alya personally trains all our guides, ensuring they adhere to the strictest environmental protocols. Her passion is infectious, whether she’s leading a dive to a secret reef, explaining the unique behaviors of the Komodo dragon, or guiding a trek to a hidden waterfall. Her expertise is a cornerstone of our editorial verification process.
Isabelle Dubois
Director of Concierge Services
Credentials: Certified Travel Associate (CTA); ASITA Member; Fluent in English, French, Bahasa Indonesia, and Dutch.
Bio: Isabelle brings a world of luxury travel experience to the remote beauty of Kanawa. Having managed high-end client portfolios in both Europe and Southeast Asia, she possesses an innate understanding of the nuances of five-star service. Isabelle leads our team of personal concierges, meticulously planning every detail of our clients’ journeys. From sourcing rare wines to be provisioned on a private Phinisi to arranging private audiences with local artisans, her attention to detail is flawless. She is the primary point of contact for our clients, ensuring a seamless and personalized experience from the first inquiry to the journey home.
Andi Wijaya
Director of Operations & Logistics
Credentials: IATA Certification; 15 years in aviation and remote marine logistics management.
Bio: Andi is the master of making the impossible happen in one of the world’s most challenging logistical environments. His background in managing operations for private jet charters and luxury yacht fleets makes him uniquely qualified to oversee our complex logistics. Andi manages our relationships with aviation partners like Garuda Indonesia, ensures all chartered vessels meet stringent safety standards set by the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation, and has developed our comprehensive emergency response protocols. His work behind the scenes guarantees that every transfer, every provisioning run, and every safety measure is executed with military precision.
Martinus ‘Tino’ Riwu
Community Liaison & Cultural Guide
Credentials: Born and raised in a village near Labuan Bajo; Respected elder and member of the Manggarai cultural council.
Bio: Tino is our bridge to the local communities of Flores. He ensures that our presence is respectful, welcome, and mutually beneficial. Tino co-designs our cultural immersion experiences, connecting our guests with the authentic heart of the region—from traditional Caci whip-fighting ceremonies to visiting the spider-web rice fields of Lingko. He also manages our local sourcing program, building relationships with farmers and fishermen to provision our journeys. Tino’s wisdom and deep cultural knowledge provide our guests with a rare and profound connection to the land and its people, an experience that simply cannot be found in a standard guidebook.
Continue exploring Kanawaisland:
Our Kanawaisland Service ·
Meet Our Team ·
Editorial Standards ·
Methodology ·
Sustainability ·
Safety & Compliance
Imagine the scent of frangipani carried on a gentle sea breeze, the whisper of waves against a pristine shore, and the promise of an adventure meticulously tailored just for you. This is the essence of the journey our specialists craft, transforming travel into an art form where every detail reflects your desires and every moment resonates with the soul of Indonesia.
Crafting unparalleled Kanawa Island experiences
Our philosophy extends beyond mere destination management; we curate transformative experiences. Kanawa Island is a canvas upon which we paint bespoke adventures, deeply rooted in the archipelago. Our team’s intimate understanding of the region’s rhythms and hidden wonders allows us to design itineraries that are not just luxurious, but authentically immersive, connecting you with the heart of Flores and the serene beauty of Kanawa
