Updated: May 2026
Meet Our Team of Experts
The soul of Banda Spice Voyages lies in the collective expertise of our people. We are a dedicated group of historians, maritime professionals, conservationists, and luxury hospitality specialists, united by a shared passion for the Indonesian archipelago and a commitment to delivering extraordinary experiences. Each member of our team brings a unique set of skills and a deep, personal connection to the regions we explore, ensuring your journey is not only seamless but also profoundly enriching. (See Treaty of Breda 1667 for context.)
Leadership & Vision
Suryo Adiwijoyo
Founder & Chairman, Juara Holding Group
Credentials: MBA, INSEAD; Member, Kamar Dagang dan Industri Indonesia (KADIN)
As the visionary behind our parent company, Juara Holding Group, Bapak Suryo provides the strategic direction and unwavering commitment to excellence that defines Banda Spice Voyages. With over 30 years of experience in Indonesian finance and hospitality development, he saw the potential to create a world-class concierge service dedicated to the historical and natural treasures of his homeland. His philosophy is simple: to build businesses that are not only successful but also contribute positively to Indonesia’s cultural and environmental heritage.
Kartika Sari
Director of Operations
Credentials: IATA Certified Professional; Former Head of Premium Services, Garuda Indonesia
Ibu Kartika is the logistical heart of our operations. With 15 years of experience managing complex logistics for Indonesia’s national airline, she possesses an unparalleled understanding of the archipelago’s intricate network of aviation and maritime transport. She personally oversees every detail, from coordinating private charter clearances with AirNav Indonesia to ensuring our Phinisi fleet meets the highest international safety standards. Her meticulous planning is the reason our journeys are famously seamless, no matter how remote the destination.
Expertise & Curation
Dr. Adrian van der Zee
Lead Historian & Itinerary Curator
Credentials: Ph.D. in Maritime History, Leiden University; Author, ‘Nutmeg’s Wake: The VOC in the Banda Sea’
Dr. van der Zee brings the history of the Spice Islands to life. A Dutch-Indonesian historian, he has dedicated his life to studying the Dutch East India Company (VOC) and its impact on the Malay Archipelago. He personally designs the historical components of our itineraries and often joins voyages to provide lectures and guided tours of sites like Fort Belgica and the colonial mansions of Banda Neira. His insights transform a beautiful trip into a profound journey through time. His work is guided by our strict editorial standards for historical accuracy.
Dr. Rina Lestari
Marine Biologist & Conservation Lead
Credentials: Ph.D. in Marine Biology, Institut Pertanian Bogor (IPB); PADI Divemaster; Advisor to WWF Indonesia’s Banda Sea Program
Dr. Lestari is the guardian of the underwater realms we explore. A leading expert on the coral ecosystems of the Coral Triangle, she advises our captains on responsible marine practices and designs our snorkeling and diving experiences. She ensures our operations actively support conservation, liaising with partners like The Nature Conservancy and the Coral Triangle Center. On select voyages, she leads guided dives, identifying rare species and explaining the delicate balance of the world’s most biodiverse marine environment.
Made Wijaya
Director of Client Experience
Credentials: Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS); 20 years in Balinese luxury villa management
Pak Made is the master of Indonesian hospitality. Hailing from a family of hoteliers in Bali, he understands that true luxury lies in intuitive, personalized service. He leads our team of onboard staff, training them to anticipate every need and create an atmosphere of effortless grace and comfort. From a perfectly mixed cocktail at sunset to a privately arranged dinner on a deserted beach, Pak Made ensures that every moment of your journey is imbued with the warmth and elegance for which Indonesian hospitality is renowned.
Continue exploring Banda Spice Voyages:
Our Banda Spice Voyages Service ·
Meet Our Team ·
Editorial Standards ·
Methodology ·
Sustainability ·
Safety & Compliance
Imagine the lingering scent of nutmeg and cloves carried on a gentle sea breeze. This is your sensory prelude to a journey through Indonesia’s legendary Spice Islands, where history, natural beauty, and unparalleled luxury converge under the expert guidance of Banda Spice Voyages.
The enduring legacy of the Banda Islands
At the heart of our unique offerings lies the captivating history of the Banda Islands, a small archipelago in the Maluku Sea that once held the world’s sole source of nutmeg and mace. For centuries, these tiny volcanic specks were the most coveted pieces of land on Earth, driving an insatiable global demand that reshaped empires and funded vast fortunes. It was here that the spice trade began its epic saga, drawing adventurers, merchants, and colonial powers. Our journeys
