Meet Our Team of Maluku Specialists
At Maluku Tour, our greatest asset is our people. We are a collective of historians, maritime experts, conservationists, and hospitality professionals united by a shared passion for the Spice Islands. Each member brings a formidable depth of experience and a genuine love for Maluku’s culture and environment, ensuring your journey is not only seamless but also deeply insightful. Our team’s expertise is the foundation of our editorial and operational integrity.
Dr. Aris Santoso
Founder & Chief Historian
Credentials: Ph.D. in Maritime History, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM); Former Curator, Fatahillah History Museum; Published author on VOC trade routes.
Bio: Dr. Santoso is the visionary behind Maluku Tour. With over two decades of academic research focused on the 17th-century spice trade, his knowledge of Maluku’s history is unparalleled. He personally designs the historical narratives for our signature tours, ensuring every detail is accurate and compelling. Dr. Santoso has lectured at international symposiums and maintains close ties with cultural institutions in Ambon and Ternate, providing our guests with exclusive access to archives and historical sites. His mission is to bring the vibrant, and often brutal, history of the Spice Islands to life.
Dewi Lestari
Director of Operations
Credentials: 18+ years in Indonesian luxury hospitality (Aman Resorts, Four Seasons); Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS); ASITA Certified Tour Professional.
Bio: Dewi is the logistical heart of Maluku Tour. Her extensive background in five-star hospitality ensures that every aspect of your journey meets the highest global standards of comfort, safety, and service. She meticulously vets every partner, from our private boat captains to our boutique hotel affiliates, and manages our ground operations with precision. Dewi’s expertise lies in translating complex, multi-island itineraries into flawless, stress-free experiences. She believes that true luxury is found in perfect execution and intuitive service.
Bapak Elias ‘Elly’ Manuputty
Lead Cultural Guide & Community Liaison
Credentials: Born and raised in Saparua, Lease Islands; 25+ years as a licensed guide (HPI Maluku); Fluent in Dutch, English, and local dialects.
Bio: Bapak Elly is a living library of Maluku’s traditions and oral histories. His family has lived in the Lease Islands for generations, and he possesses a deep, ancestral connection to the land and its stories. He is not just a guide; he is a cultural ambassador who facilitates genuine connections between our guests and the local communities. Whether navigating the complex etiquette of the Ternate Sultanate or explaining the traditional process of clove harvesting, Bapak Elly provides an authentic window into the soul of Maluku. He leads our community outreach programs, ensuring our presence is always a positive one.
Dr. Sofia Chen
Marine Biologist & Head of Sustainability
Credentials: Ph.D. in Marine Biology, Institut Pertanian Bogor (IPB); PADI Divemaster; Published researcher on Banda Sea coral ecosystems.
Bio: Dr. Chen leads our commitment to environmental responsibility and oversees all our marine activities. Her research on the unique coral biodiversity of the Banda Arc gives our snorkeling and diving experiences a rich, educational dimension. She designs our ‘citizen science’ programs, allowing guests to participate in reef monitoring and data collection in partnership with organizations like the Coral Triangle Center. Dr. Chen developed our comprehensive sustainability policy, from eliminating single-use plastics to ensuring our boat partners use reef-safe mooring practices. Her passion is to reveal the underwater wonders of Maluku while actively working to protect them for future generations.
Andi Prakoso
Head of Client Experience
Credentials: 12 years in bespoke travel design; Specialist in remote archipelago logistics; Certified Travel Associate (CTA).
Bio: Andi is the primary architect of our guests’ journeys. He excels in the art of listening, transforming individual interests and desires into perfectly tailored itineraries. With a deep understanding of the logistical challenges of the Maluku archipelago—from flight schedules at Pattimura Airport (AMQ) to inter-island ferry timings—Andi ensures every trip is seamless. He has a black book of contacts that unlocks unique experiences, be it a private tour of a nutmeg plantation or a meeting with a local artist. Andi is your dedicated advocate from the first inquiry until you return home, ensuring your Maluku tour exceeds every expectation.
Continue exploring Maluku Tour:
Our Maluku Tour Service ·
Meet Our Team ·
Editorial Standards ·
Methodology ·
Sustainability ·
Safety & Compliance
Beyond history: Curating your Maluku experience
The scent of cloves and nutmeg still hangs heavy in the air, a whisper of centuries past, as you step onto the shores of Maluku. While Dr. Santoso meticulously reconstructs the past, our wider team brings the present to life with an equally profound dedication. Our expedition leaders, for instance, are seasoned mariners with intimate knowledge of the region’s intricate archipelagos, from the bustling harbors of Ambon to the tranquil, volcanic shores of the Banda Islands. They are not merely guides; they are storytellers of the sea, navigating both currents and local customs with unparalleled grace, ensuring every Maluku tour unfolds with seamless precision.
Complementing their maritime prowess are our local cultural