Updated: May 2026
Our Team — Indonesia Luxury Ternate & North Maluku Specialists
Ternate Island is a curated Indonesia luxury tourism experience offered by Ternate Island: handpicked routes, vetted operators, transparent pricing, and 24/7 concierge support across Indonesia.
- What makes Ternate Island a premium experience.
- How Ternate Island curates exclusive access and concierge logistics.
- Routes, seasons, and pricing transparency — no hidden fees.
Meet Our Team of Ternate Experts
True expertise is the cornerstone of every unforgettable journey. At Ternate Island, our team is our greatest asset—a collective of seasoned professionals, academics, and local specialists who possess an unparalleled depth of knowledge about North Maluku. We don’t rely on third-party contractors; our experiences are guided and managed by these dedicated experts who call this region home. Their insights, connections, and passion are what transform a great trip into a life-enriching experience. Beyond individual credentials, our entire field team completes over 80 hours of annual training in advanced first aid, crisis management, and cross-cultural communication, ensuring a seamless and secure guest experience. Our editorial process is directly informed by their on-the-ground expertise. Indonesia on Wikipedia
Aria Wirawan
Founder & Managing Director
Credentials: Cornell University School of Hotel Administration Certificate; 20+ years in Asia-Pacific luxury hospitality (former GM with Aman Resorts and Four Seasons). Ministry of Tourism
Aria’s vision is the driving force behind Ternate Island. After a distinguished career managing some of the world’s most iconic luxury properties, he was drawn to the raw, authentic beauty of his ancestral home in the Maluku Islands. Aria founded Ternate Island to create a new paradigm for luxury travel in Indonesia—one based on deep historical context, ecological responsibility, and genuine cultural immersion. He personally vets every partner and experience to ensure it meets the uncompromising standards of the Juara Holding Group, using a 50-point audit that covers everything from transport safety to the ethical sourcing of local ingredients.
Dr. Rina Kartika
Head Geologist & Volcanic Specialist
Credentials: Ph.D. in Volcanology, Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB); Former consultant for Indonesia’s PVMBG (Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation).
There is no one more qualified to guide you on the slopes of Mount Gamalama than Dr. Rina. With a doctorate focused specifically on the stratovolcanoes of the Banda Arc, she brings an academic rigor and infectious passion to our geological expeditions. Dr. Rina has published several papers on Gamalama’s eruptive history and maintains close ties with the monitoring post in Ternate. She designed our proprietary safety protocols for all volcanic treks, which exceed national guidelines by incorporating real-time seismic data and mandatory briefings on volcanic gas hazards before any ascent begins. This ensures our guests experience the raw power of the volcano with the highest degree of safety and scientific insight.
Budi Santoso
Head of Ternate Operations & Lead Guide
Credentials: Certified Expert Guide, Himpunan Pramuwisata Indonesia (HPI); 25 years of guiding experience in North Maluku.
Born and raised in the shadow of the Sultan’s Palace (Kedaton), Budi is the heart and soul of our on-the-ground operations. His encyclopedic knowledge of Ternate’s history, secret trails, and local customs is unmatched. Budi’s family has served the Sultanate for generations, giving him unique access and insights that are simply unavailable to other operators. This unique heritage translates into private audiences with members of the royal court or access to archival maps of 17th-century clove plantations—experiences far beyond typical tours. He leads our team of local guides, ensuring every guest feels not like a tourist, but like a welcome friend. His leadership is fundamental to the authentic experiences we offer on our curated journeys.
Fatima Al-Hadad
Cultural Historian & Spice Route Specialist
Credentials: M.A. in Southeast Asian History, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM); Advisor to the Kedaton Ternate Cultural Preservation Foundation.
Fatima brings the history of the Spice Route to life. A descendant of the storied traders who once plied these waters, she possesses a deep, nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between the Sultanates, European powers, and local traditions. Fatima curates the historical content for our journeys, leads private tours of the Kedaton and Fort Oranje, and provides guests with a narrative that goes far beyond textbook history. Her research into the 1579 arrival of Sir Francis Drake, for instance, allows her to pinpoint the exact cove where he anchored, a story she brings to life on our private boat tours. This dedication ensures our storytelling is accurate, respectful, and compelling.
I Gede Dharma
Marine Operations & Conservation Lead
Credentials: PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer; B.S. in Marine Biology, Universitas Pattimura (Ambon); Certified in Coral Reef Restoration.
Gede oversees all our marine activities, from luxury liveaboard charters to private diving excursions around the pristine reefs of Hiri and Maitara. His expertise extends beyond recreation; Gede is a passionate conservationist who leads our sustainability initiatives in the marine sphere. He works with local communities and partners like the Coral Triangle Center to establish best practices, monitor reef health, and ensure our presence in these delicate ecosystems is a positive one. He spearheads our ‘Adopt-a-Coral’ program, which has successfully planted over 3,000 coral fragments on restoration frames near Hiri Island since its inception, often with guest participation. He is dedicated to showcasing the underwater wonders of Ternate while actively working to protect them.
Continue exploring Ternate Island:
Our Ternate Island Service ·
Meet Our Team ·
Editorial Standards ·
Methodology ·
Sustainability ·
Safety & Compliance