Updated: May 2026
Meet Our Team of Experts
The soul of Borneo Orangutan Voyages lies in the collective expertise, passion, and dedication of our team. We have assembled a unique group of individuals who blend international standards of luxury service with deep-seated local knowledge and a genuine commitment to conservation. Each member is a specialist in their field, united by the common goal of delivering an unparalleled and meaningful Bornean experience. Our credibility is built on their credentials and experience, which we invite you to explore below. For more on how we verify the information we present, please see our Editorial Standards.
Budi Santoso
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Credentials: MBA in Hospitality Management, Cornell University; 20+ years in Indonesian luxury hospitality; Board Member, Juara Holding Group; Member, ASITA (Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies).
Bio: Budi is the visionary behind Borneo Orangutan Voyages. With a distinguished career leading some of Indonesia’s most iconic luxury properties for our parent company, Juara Holding Group, he brings an uncompromising standard of excellence to the world of expedition travel. A personal journey to Tanjung Puting inspired him to channel his expertise into a venture with a purpose: to protect the magnificent orangutans by creating a sustainable, high-value tourism model. Budi oversees the strategic direction of the company, ensuring that every voyage not only meets but exceeds the expectations of our discerning clientele while upholding our core values of conservation and community empowerment.
Dr. Anya Sharma
Chief Conservation Officer & Lead Primatologist Guide
Credentials: Ph.D. in Primatology, University of Cambridge; M.S. in Conservation Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada; 15+ years of field research in Central Kalimantan; Published in the ‘American Journal of Primatology’.
Bio: Dr. Sharma is the scientific heart of our operations. Her extensive research on orangutan behavior and habitat conservation in Tanjung Puting provides the intellectual and ethical framework for our voyages. She personally trains all our guides, developing a curriculum that goes far beyond simple species identification to cover complex ecological relationships, conservation challenges, and the latest scientific findings. On select voyages, Dr. Sharma acts as the lead guide, offering guests an unparalleled opportunity to see the rainforest through the eyes of a world-class scientist. Her work ensures our operations are always aligned with best practices for ethical wildlife viewing and directly contribute to the scientific community.
David Chen
Director of Client Experiences
Credentials: Certified Travel Associate (CTA); 12 years of experience with leading luxury travel brands including Aman Resorts and Rosewood Hotels.
Bio: David is the master architect of our bespoke journeys. With a background in crafting highly personalized itineraries for an ultra-high-net-worth clientele, he understands the nuances of luxury travel. David and his team work directly with our guests to tailor every detail of their voyage, from pre-trip arrangements in Jakarta to specific dietary requirements and special interests, such as photography or botany. He ensures that the transition from the urban world to the remote jungle is seamless, comfortable, and imbued with a sense of wonder. His meticulous planning and proactive service are what elevate a Borneo trip into a true luxury voyage.
Ratna Sari
Head of Operations – Pangkalan Bun
Credentials: Certified Senior Tour Guide, Himpunan Pramuwisata Indonesia (HPI); Diploma in Tourism, STP Trisakti; Native of Central Kalimantan.
Bio: Ratna is our indispensable leader on the ground. Born and raised in Pangkalan Bun, she possesses an intimate knowledge of the local culture, logistics, and environment. Ratna manages our entire field operation, from the moment guests arrive at Iskandar Airport (PKN) to the coordination of our klotok crews, supplies, and park permits. Her strong relationships with the National Park Authority (Balai Taman Nasional Tanjung Puting) and local communities are vital to our smooth and responsible operations. Ratna’s leadership ensures that our high standards of safety, service, and sustainability are implemented flawlessly in a remote and challenging environment.
Captain Iwan Kusuma
Lead Klotok Captain & River Navigator
Credentials: Ahli Nautika Tingkat IV (ANT-IV) Maritime Certificate; 25+ years navigating the Sekonyer River; Certified in Basic Safety Training (BST).
Bio: Captain Iwan is a master of his domain. With over two decades of experience, he knows every bend and tributary of the Sekonyer River. His skill is paramount to the safety and quality of our voyages, ensuring smooth navigation and positioning the vessel for optimal wildlife viewing without disturbing the animals. Captain Iwan is also a respected elder in the local community, and his crew is trained not only in navigation and safety but also in the principles of hospitality and environmental stewardship. His calm demeanor and profound knowledge of the river ecosystem make him an integral part of the Borneo Orangutan Voyages experience.
Ready to travel with the experts? Explore our signature Borneo Orangutan Voyages.
Continue exploring Borneo Orangutan Voyages:
Our Borneo Orangutan Voyages Service ·
Meet Our Team ·
Editorial Standards ·
Methodology ·
Sustainability ·
Safety & Compliance
