Updated: June 2026
Meet Our Team of Buton Island Specialists
The heart of Buton Island Discovery Co. is our people. We have meticulously assembled a team of seasoned professionals whose collective experience spans decades in Indonesian luxury hospitality, marine conservation, and cultural heritage. Each member brings not only world-class credentials but also a deep, personal passion for Southeast Sulawesi. Our expertise is the foundation of your extraordinary journey. (See Sultanate of Buton for context.)
Hendra Wijaya
Founder & Chairman (Juara Holding Group)
Credentials: MBA, INSEAD; 25+ years in Southeast Asian luxury property development and hospitality investment.
Bio: As the visionary leader of our parent company, Juara Holding Group, Bapak Hendra provides the strategic direction and unwavering commitment to excellence that defines our brand. His extensive experience with globally recognized brands like Aman and Four Seasons has shaped our philosophy of anticipatory service and sustainable development. Hendra’s passion is to showcase the world-class potential of Eastern Indonesia, ensuring that our operations create lasting positive impact for both our clients and the local communities of Buton.
Kartika Sari
Director of Operations
Credentials: Certified Travel Associate (CTA); Member, ASITA (Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies); 15 years in high-end Indonesian tour operations.
Bio: Ibu Kartika is the logistical mastermind behind every seamless journey. With an encyclopedic knowledge of Indonesian travel regulations and a network of trusted local contacts built over a decade, she ensures every detail is flawlessly executed. From coordinating private charters through Betoambari Airport (BUW) to navigating complex marine permits, Kartika’s meticulous planning and problem-solving skills are unparalleled. She is the guarantor of our operational integrity and safety.
Dr. David Chen
Lead Experience Curator & Marine Biologist
Credentials: Ph.D. in Marine Biology, University of Queensland; PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer; Certified Guide, Himpunan Pramuwisata Indonesia (HPI).
Bio: David is the architect of the unforgettable moments that define a Buton Island Discovery Co. experience. An accomplished marine biologist who has spent 18 years in Indonesia, his expertise transforms a simple dive into an educational journey through the Coral Triangle’s biodiversity. He designs our itineraries, from tracing the history of the Butonese Sultanate to identifying endemic species in the Lambusango Forest. His research and insights form the backbone of our content, as detailed in our Editorial Standards.
Ayu Lestari
Head of Guest Relations
Credentials: B.A. in Hospitality Management, STP Bandung; Certified Butler, Magnums Butler Academy.
Bio: Born and raised in Bau-Bau, Buton, Ayu embodies the warm, gracious hospitality of her homeland. She is our clients’ primary point of contact, ensuring every personal preference is noted and every need is met with intuitive grace. Fluent in English, Bahasa Indonesia, and the local Wolio dialect, Ayu provides an authentic cultural bridge for our guests. Her deep community ties allow us to offer unique, respectful access to local ceremonies and artisans, creating a truly immersive experience.
Made Suryawan
Logistics & Safety Coordinator
Credentials: Certified, Basic Sea Survival (BSS); Advanced First Aid & CPR, Palang Merah Indonesia; 10 years in marine logistics for luxury phinisi charters.
Bio: Made is our guardian of safety and compliance on the ground and at sea. He is responsible for the rigorous maintenance schedules of our vehicles and partner vessels, the training of our crew in emergency protocols, and the implementation of our comprehensive safety management system. His unwavering attention to detail ensures that every aspect of your journey, from land transfers to sea voyages, adheres to the highest international safety standards. He ensures our promise of a safe and secure Buton Island adventure is always fulfilled.
Continue exploring Buton Island Discovery Co.:
Our Buton Island Discovery Co. Service ·
Meet Our Team ·
Editorial Standards ·
Methodology ·
Sustainability ·
Safety & Compliance
Imagine the scent of frangipani carried on a gentle sea breeze as you step onto the pristine shores of Buton Island, a destination where ancient traditions meet untouched natural splendor. This is the realm our specialists meticulously unveil, transforming a mere visit into an immersive, luxurious discovery.
Unveiling Buton’s untamed luxury
Buton Island, nestled in Southeast Sulawesi, stands as one of Indonesia’s most captivating, yet undiscovered, luxury destinations. Far from the well-trodden paths, Buton offers an authentic tapestry of vibrant culture, dramatic landscapes, and an underwater world teeming with life. Our team’s intimate knowledge of this extraordinary island allows us to transcend conventional tourism, guiding you to experiences that resonate with
