Meet Our Team of Maluku Specialists
The quality of any expedition is defined by the people who lead it. At Banda Islands Yacht, we have assembled a dedicated team of professionals whose expertise is matched only by their passion for the Maluku archipelago. Each member brings a unique set of skills and a deep-seated respect for the culture and environment of the Spice Islands, ensuring your journey is not only luxurious and safe, but also deeply enriching. Our collective knowledge is the foundation of our editorial and operational integrity.
Arief Rahman
Role: Director of Expeditions & Co-Founder
Credentials: M.A. in Maritime History (Universitas Gadjah Mada), PADI Divemaster, Certified Captain (Ahli Nautika Tingkat III), 20+ years experience in Indonesian marine tourism.
Bio: Arief is the visionary behind our curated journeys. Born in Ambon, the provincial capital of Maluku, the stories of the Spice Route are in his blood. After completing his master’s degree, he dedicated his career to developing sustainable and culturally sensitive tourism in Eastern Indonesia. Arief has personally charted nearly every navigable channel in the Banda Sea and maintains close relationships with community leaders across the islands. He personally vets every itinerary and guide, ensuring each Banda Islands yacht charter is authentic, insightful, and executed to perfection. His academic background and practical experience make him a leading authority on the region’s history and geography.
Isabelle Dubois
Role: Head of Client Experience
Credentials: B.Sc. in Hospitality Management (École hôtelière de Lausanne), WSET Level 2 Award in Wines, 15 years experience with leading luxury hotel groups in Asia.
Bio: Isabelle ensures that our onboard service rivals that of the world’s finest boutique hotels. Having managed client relations for renowned brands like Aman and Four Seasons, she has an intuitive understanding of the nuances of luxury service. Isabelle oversees all aspects of the guest experience, from initial inquiry to post-trip follow-up. She curates our onboard amenities, designs our culinary programs with our chefs, and trains our crew in the art of discreet, anticipatory service. Her meticulous attention to detail guarantees a seamless and supremely comfortable journey for every guest.
Captain Yusuf ‘Ucup’ Santoso
Role: Lead Captain
Credentials: Master (Deck) Officer Class 1 (ANT I) from STIP Jakarta, STCW Certified, SOLAS Advanced Training, 25+ years as Captain in Indonesian waters.
Bio: The safety and smooth navigation of our vessels rest in Captain Ucup’s exceptionally capable hands. A native of Bugis seafaring heritage, he has spent his life on the water. He possesses an unparalleled, almost instinctive, knowledge of the Banda Sea’s currents, weather patterns, and hidden anchorages. He is fully certified under the stringent regulations of Indonesia’s Direktorat Jenderal Perhubungan Laut (Directorate General of Sea Transportation) and ensures our yachts are maintained to the highest international safety standards. Guests consistently praise his calm demeanor, professionalism, and his knack for finding the most serene spots to watch the sunset.
Dr. Rina Lestari
Role: Resident Marine Biologist & Conservation Lead
Credentials: Ph.D. in Marine Biology (Institut Pertanian Bogor), PADI Instructor, published researcher on Coral Triangle biodiversity.
Bio: Dr. Rina transforms our snorkeling and diving excursions from simple recreation into a profound educational experience. She leads guided underwater tours, identifying the incredible diversity of marine life and explaining the delicate ecology of the Banda Sea’s reefs. Rina is also the driving force behind our sustainability initiatives, liaising with organizations like WWF Indonesia and the Coral Triangle Center to ensure our operations contribute positively to marine conservation. Her onboard lectures on topics ranging from coral spawning to the migration of cetaceans are a highlight for many of our guests, offering a deeper appreciation for the underwater world they are exploring.
Bapak Elias ‘Eli’ Manuputty
Role: Head Local Guide & Cultural Liaison
Credentials: Licensed Tour Guide (HPI – Himpunan Pramuwisata Indonesia), born and raised in Banda Neira.
Bio: No one can tell the story of the Banda Islands like someone whose family has lived it for generations. Bapak Eli is our cultural cornerstone. He guides our guests through the historical sites, from the Dutch forts to the old governor’s palace, sharing stories and oral histories passed down through his family. He facilitates respectful and meaningful interactions with the local community, whether it’s visiting a family-run nutmeg plantation or understanding the traditional ‘adat’ laws that still govern island life. His presence ensures that our guests’ experience is not one of passive observation, but of genuine connection.
Continue exploring Banda Islands Yacht:
Our Banda Islands Yacht Service ·
Meet Our Team ·
Editorial Standards ·
Methodology ·
Sustainability ·
Safety & Compliance