Meet Our Team of Banda Sea Experts
The authority and quality of Banda Islands Diving are direct reflections of the people behind our name. Our team is a collective of Indonesia’s most respected marine biologists, seasoned maritime professionals, luxury hospitality veterans, and local Maluku guides. With centuries of combined experience, we share a singular passion: to unveil the wonders of the Banda Sea with unparalleled expertise and a profound commitment to safety and sustainability. Our credibility is rooted in our credentials, our experience, and our adherence to the principles outlined in our Editorial Standards.
Dr. Ardiansyah Putra
Founder & Chief Marine Biologist
Credentials: Ph.D. in Marine Biology, Institut Pertanian Bogor (IPB); PADI Course Director #123456; DAN Instructor Trainer.
Bio: Dr. Ardiansyah is the visionary founder of Banda Islands Diving. With over 25 years of research and diving experience in the Coral Triangle, his academic work on pelagic migration patterns in the Banda Sea is widely published. He founded the company to bridge the gap between scientific exploration and sustainable tourism, believing that well-managed, expert-led expeditions are a powerful tool for conservation. He personally designs the scientific and ecological components of our itineraries and frequently joins special expeditions to share his knowledge with our guests.
Sari Dewi
Head of Operations & Guest Experience
Credentials: B.A. in Hospitality Management, STP NHI Bandung; Certified Luxury Travel Specialist.
Bio: Sari is the operational heart of our organization, ensuring every detail of a guest’s journey is seamless and exceeds expectations. Her career was forged in the demanding world of five-star hospitality, with management roles at Aman Resorts and Four Seasons across Indonesia. She brings a meticulous eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to service excellence. Sari manages our network of partners, oversees all logistics from flights to provisions, and is the primary architect of the signature guest experience that defines Banda Islands Diving.
Budi Santoso
Lead Expedition Leader & Dive Operations Manager
Credentials: PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT) #234567; EFR Instructor; Maluku-born and raised.
Bio: Budi is a true son of Maluku, with the currents of the Banda Sea in his blood. He has spent more than 20,000 hours underwater in this region, making him one of the most experienced guides for spotting the elusive hammerhead schools and navigating the unique volcanic seascapes. His deep, intuitive understanding of the local conditions, combined with his formal PADI credentials, ensures our dive operations are both thrilling and exceptionally safe. Budi is also a passionate storyteller, eager to share local folklore and the history of his home islands with guests.
Captain Iwan Kusuma
Maritime & Safety Officer
Credentials: Master Mariner Class I (Ahli Nautika Tingkat I) from the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation (DJPL); STCW Certified; 20+ years as Captain in Indonesian waters.
Bio: The safety of our guests and crew rests in Captain Iwan’s exceptionally capable hands. A Master Mariner with decades of experience navigating the challenging waters of the Indonesian archipelago, he oversees the selection, maintenance, and operation of our entire partner fleet. He ensures every vessel not only meets but exceeds the stringent safety standards set by Biro Klasifikasi Indonesia (BKI) and international SOLAS conventions. His calm demeanor and encyclopedic knowledge of the Banda Sea’s channels and anchorages are invaluable assets to every expedition.
Elara Wijaya
Client Relations & Itinerary Specialist
Credentials: Certified Indonesia Travel Expert (ASITA); Fluent in English, Indonesian, and Dutch.
Bio: Based in our Bali office, Elara is the first point of contact for our discerning clientele. With a background in bespoke travel design, she excels at understanding individual guest needs and crafting personalized itineraries that extend beyond the liveaboard. Whether arranging private jet charters to Ambon, securing pre-trip stays at luxury villas, or coordinating complex travel logistics, Elara ensures the journey is flawless from the moment of inquiry. Her deep knowledge of our diving programs allows her to perfectly match guests with the right vessel and itinerary.
Continue exploring Banda Islands Diving:
Our Banda Islands Diving Service ·
Meet Our Team ·
Editorial Standards ·
Methodology ·
Sustainability ·
Safety & Compliance