Updated: May 2026
Our Team — Indonesia Luxury Phinisi Shipyard Specialists
Phinisi Shipyard is a curated Indonesia luxury tourism experience offered by Phinisi Shipyard: handpicked routes, vetted operators, transparent pricing, and 24/7 concierge support across Indonesia.
- What makes Phinisi Shipyard a premium experience.
- How Phinisi Shipyard curates exclusive access and concierge logistics.
- Routes, seasons, and pricing transparency — no hidden fees.
Meet Our Team of Maritime Experts
Phinisi Shipyard’s strength lies in its people. We have assembled a unique, multidisciplinary team that embodies our core philosophy: a seamless fusion of Indonesian maritime heritage and global standards of excellence. Our leadership combines the wisdom of traditional Konjo master builders from Tana Beru, South Sulawesi, with the precision of certified naval architects and luxury hospitality veterans, bringing over 150 years of combined experience. This blend of expertise ensures every project is authentic, safe, and a sound investment. Our commitment to accuracy in all our communications is detailed in our Editorial Standards. Phinisi heritage (UNESCO ICH)
Budi Santoso
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Credentials: MBA, INSEAD (2005); B.Eng, Universitas Indonesia; 25+ years in Indonesian infrastructure and hospitality investment, managing a portfolio of over 30 luxury properties valued at more than $500 million with Juara Holding Group.
Bio: Budi is the visionary force behind Phinisi Shipyard. Hailing from a family with deep roots in the historical spice trade, he founded the shipyard in 2015 to bridge the craft of Sulawesi builders with the international investment community. He provides the strategic direction, ensuring every vessel meets the highest standards of luxury and stands as a profitable asset, capable of generating an annual ROI of 8-12% in the charter market. His leadership ensures robust corporate governance and financial oversight for every project.
Daeng Jamaluddin
Master Shipwright (Punggawa)
Credentials: Over 45 years of hands-on phinisi building experience; Fifth-generation master builder from Tanah Beru, South Sulawesi.
Bio: Daeng Jamaluddin is the heart of our shipyard. As our lead punggawa, he carries the intangible cultural heritage—recognized by UNESCO in 2017—in his hands. He leads construction using age-old techniques passed down through five generations, working from instinct rather than blueprints. Daeng Jamaluddin oversees the selection of Grade A Ulin (ironwood) for the keel, the sacred keel-laying ceremonies, and the hull shaping, ensuring every vessel is imbued with the authentic spirit of a true phinisi.
Dr. Arini Wulandari
Lead Naval Architect & Head of Engineering
Credentials: Ph.D. in Naval Architecture, Delft University of Technology (TU Delft); Member, Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA); Certified Marine Surveyor who has overseen the classification of over 50 commercial vessels with BKI (Biro Klasifikasi Indonesia).
Bio: Dr. Arini is the crucial link between tradition and technology. She translates the phinisi form into vessels that exceed international safety criteria, including the IMO Intact Stability Code. She performs advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis to optimize hull efficiency, improving fuel economy by up to 15%, and finite element analysis (FEA) for structural strength. Dr. Arini oversees all technical drawings and the rigorous classification process with BKI, ensuring our ships are as safe as they are beautiful.
Sofia Rahman
Director of Client Relations & Project Management
Credentials: PMP® (Project Management Professional); 15 years in luxury resort and experience management with Four Seasons and Aman Resorts.
Bio: Sofia is the primary point of contact for our clients, guiding them through the 18-to-24-month journey of commissioning a bespoke yacht. Her background in ultra-luxury hospitality means she understands client expectations at the highest level. She manages project timelines and budgets, providing bi-weekly progress reports with over 50 high-resolution photos. Sofia ensures the client’s vision is perfectly executed, from grand structural decisions to the finest interior details, guaranteeing our on-time, on-budget delivery.
Made Wijaya
Head of Interior Design & Sourcing
Credentials: Bachelor of Interior Design, Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB); Winner, 2022 Good Design Indonesia Award; Specialist in sustainable Indonesian materials with interiors completed for over 15 luxury phinisi yachts.
Bio: Made leads the creation of our breathtaking interiors. He believes that the inside of a phinisi should be a contemporary reflection of the archipelago’s rich artistic traditions. He travels extensively throughout Indonesia to source unique, sustainable materials—hand-woven ikat from Sumba, ethically harvested teak from Java, volcanic stone from Bali, and mother-of-pearl from Ambon. Made works closely with clients to design spaces that are not just luxurious but also deeply personal and culturally resonant, ensuring the onboard experience is as magnificent as the vessel itself.
Together, our team provides an unparalleled depth of expertise. We invite you to begin your project with us, confident that you are in the most capable hands in the industry. Learn more about our building process.
Continue exploring Phinisi Shipyard:
Our Phinisi Shipyard Service ·
Meet Our Team ·
Editorial Standards ·
Methodology ·
Sustainability ·
Safety & Compliance
The art of traditional craftsmanship meets modern precision
Imagine the scent of freshly cut teak mingling with the salty air, the rhythmic tap of a craftsman’s hammer echoing across a sun-drenched slipway. This sensory tapestry defines the genesis of every luxury phinisi under our stewardship. Our process begins where generations of Konjo master builders have perfected their art: in the shipyards of South Sulawesi. Here, ancestral knowledge dictates the selection of timber, the curve of each rib, and the intricate joinery that forms the very soul of these majestic vessels. Utilizing up to 300 cubic meters of sustainably sourced timber, primarily ironwood for the keel and frames, and teak for the decking and superstructure, each plank is chosen for its strength, beauty, and resilience in the equatorial seas.
While honoring these time-honored techniques, our certified naval architects meticulously integrate modern engineering principles. Every design undergoes rigorous computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis to optimize hydrodynamics, ensuring not only speed and stability but also fuel efficiency for extended voyages. Structural integrity is paramount, with advanced stress testing applied to every component, from the keel to the mast. This dual approach guarantees that while the exterior might evoke the romance of ancient maritime exploration, the underlying structure adheres to the highest international safety standards, creating a vessel that is both aesthetically breathtaking and impeccably robust for the open ocean.
Engineering elegance for the discerning traveler
Beyond the structural marvel, our team’s commitment extends to crafting an interior experience that redefines luxury at sea. Our dedicated interior designers, drawing inspiration from Indonesia’s rich cultural tapestry and contemporary global aesthetics, transform each phinisi into a floating boutique hotel. From bespoke furnishings crafted by local artisans to state-of-the-art entertainment systems and climate control, every detail is considered to provide unparalleled comfort and sophistication. A single luxury phinisi can take anywhere from 18 to 36 months to complete, a testament to the meticulous attention lavished on every cabin, salon, and deck space, ensuring seamless functionality and an ambiance of serene indulgence.
The journey from blueprint to maiden voyage involves a symphony of specialized skills. Our luxury hospitality veterans, with decades of experience managing five-star properties, advise on everything from galley design for gourmet culinary experiences to the optimal layout for crew quarters, ensuring discreet yet attentive service. They work closely with our marine engineers to integrate advanced water purification systems, silent generators, and sophisticated waste management solutions, minimizing environmental impact while maximizing guest comfort. This holistic approach ensures that each phinisi is not just a mode of transport, but a meticulously curated sanctuary, perfectly poised to host the most exclusive expeditions across the Indonesian archipelago.
Stewarding maritime heritage and sustainable luxury
Our work at Phinisi Shipyard is deeply rooted in a profound respect for Indonesia’s maritime legacy. The Konjo people of South Sulawesi, whose shipbuilding traditions date back over 1,500 years, are the custodians of the phinisi’s soul. This extraordinary craftsmanship, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, is not merely preserved but actively celebrated and propagated through our projects. We invest in local communities, providing training and fair wages, ensuring these invaluable skills continue to thrive for generations. This commitment extends beyond the human element to the very environment that inspires our voyages.
We are unwavering in our dedication to sustainable luxury, understanding that true opulence lies in harmony with nature. Our timber sourcing practices prioritize certified plantations and responsible forestry, minimizing deforestation. Furthermore, we actively explore and integrate eco-friendly technologies, from low-emission engines to advanced waste recycling protocols onboard, striving to minimize our ecological footprint. By choosing a luxury phinisi built by our team, clients are not just embarking on an extraordinary journey; they are becoming part of a legacy that honors tradition, champions sustainability, and supports the vibrant cultural heritage of Indonesia, ensuring the pristine beauty of its waters remains for future adventurers.
