Meet Our Team: The Experts Behind Your Raja Ampat Expedition

At Raja Ampat Photo Expedition, our strength lies in our people. We are a collective of passionate professionals, each bringing a unique blend of expertise, experience, and an unwavering dedication to the art of photography and videography in the world’s most biodiverse marine ecosystem. Our team members are not just guides; they are mentors, storytellers, and custodians of Raja Ampat’s natural wonders, committed to ensuring your expedition is not only creatively fruitful but also safe, luxurious, and deeply enriching. We pride ourselves on our E-E-A-T credentials, ensuring that every aspect of your journey is handled by true specialists.

From seasoned dive masters and award-winning photographers to meticulous logistics coordinators and marine conservationists, our diverse team works in harmony to deliver an unparalleled experience. We understand the nuances of capturing the perfect shot, whether it’s the elusive pygmy seahorse, a majestic manta ray at Magic Mountain, or the breathtaking aerial vistas of Wayag. Our local knowledge, combined with international best practices, ensures that you are always in the most capable hands.

Our Leadership & Specialist Guides

Here are some of the key individuals who make Raja Ampat Photo Expedition the leading choice for luxury creator expeditions:

Our Core Team

Dr. Surya Wijaya, Founder & Lead Expedition Strategist
Credentials: PADI Course Director, Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) by Professional Photographers of America, ASITA (Association of Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies) Certified Tour Operator, PhD in Marine Ecology (Universitas Hasanuddin).
Bio: Dr. Surya Wijaya is the visionary behind Raja Ampat Photo Expedition. With over 25 years of experience exploring and documenting Indonesia’s marine environments, Surya combines his scientific background with an exceptional eye for photography and videography. His deep understanding of Raja Ampat’s unique ecosystems, coupled with his extensive network within the Indonesian tourism and conservation sectors, ensures that every expedition is meticulously planned and executed to the highest standards. Surya personally oversees itinerary development, focusing on maximizing photographic opportunities while upholding strict ethical and sustainable practices. He is a vocal advocate for marine conservation and works closely with organizations like Conservation International Indonesia.
Dewi Sartika, Head of Operations & Guest Experience
Credentials: Certified Hospitality Professional (BNSP), IATA (International Air Transport Association) Accredited Agent, Advanced First Aid & CPR Certified, Fluent in English, Bahasa Indonesia, and conversational German.
Bio: Dewi is the logistical maestro who ensures every Raja Ampat Photo Expedition runs seamlessly. With a background in luxury travel management across Southeast Asia, Dewi brings unparalleled organizational skills and a keen eye for detail. From coordinating domestic flights with Garuda Indonesia and Susi Air to managing liveaboard schedules, local transfers, and bespoke guest requests, she handles all operational complexities with grace and efficiency. Her dedication to personalized service guarantees that every guest’s needs are anticipated and exceeded, allowing creators to focus entirely on their craft. Dewi also ensures all expeditions comply with Kementerian Pariwisata regulations.
Capt. Budi Santoso, Lead Marine & Underwater Photography Guide
Credentials: PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer, CMAS 3-Star Diver, Sony Alpha Professional, Nauticam Ambassador, Emergency Oxygen Provider, Marine Vessel Operator License (Syahbandar).
Bio: Capt. Budi is an award-winning underwater photographer and videographer whose work has been featured in international dive magazines and conservation campaigns. A native of North Maluku, his intimate knowledge of Raja Ampat’s dive sites – from the vibrant reefs of Cape Kri to the majestic manta cleaning stations of Magic Mountain and the macro wonders of Misool – is unparalleled. Budi is not only an expert at finding elusive marine life but also a patient and insightful mentor, providing invaluable guidance on underwater lighting, composition, and camera settings. His commitment to ethical interaction with marine life is exemplary, ensuring both stunning imagery and responsible diving practices.
Maya Lestari, Above-Water & Aerial Videography Specialist
Credentials: DJI Certified Drone Pilot (Sertifikat Kecakapan Drone – SKEP by AirNav Indonesia), Professional Landscape Photographer, Adobe Certified Expert in Premiere Pro & Lightroom.
Bio: Maya brings a breathtaking perspective to our expeditions, specializing in capturing the dramatic above-water landscapes and cultural narratives of Raja Ampat. Her aerial footage of Wayag’s iconic karst formations and the serene lagoons of Misool is legendary. Maya is adept at navigating the complexities of drone regulations in protected areas, ensuring all aerial operations are conducted legally and respectfully. She guides clients through advanced techniques for landscape photography, time-lapses, and cinematic drone videography, helping them tell a comprehensive visual story of their journey. Maya also has a deep appreciation for local Papuan cultures, often facilitating respectful interactions for cultural photography.
Dr. Antonius Lim, Marine Biologist & Conservation Advisor
Credentials: PhD in Marine Biology (University of Queensland), Research Affiliate with The Nature Conservancy Indonesia, Expert in Coral Reef Ecology and Manta Ray Behavior.
Bio: Dr. Antonius provides invaluable scientific insight to our expeditions, enriching the experience for creators and ensuring our operations are aligned with the latest conservation science. He offers fascinating briefings on Raja Ampat’s biodiversity, the significance of the Coral Triangle, and the conservation efforts underway by organizations like the Misool Foundation. Antonius often accompanies expeditions, providing expert identification of marine species and guiding ethical wildlife observation, particularly for subjects like manta rays and sharks. His presence elevates the educational aspect of our journeys, fostering a deeper appreciation for the environment we photograph.

Our team’s collective expertise ensures that every Raja Ampat Photo Expedition is not just a trip, but a masterclass in creative exploration, executed with the highest standards of professionalism and care. We invite you to learn more about our commitment to excellence by visiting our Editorial Standards and Our Methodology pages. To embark on your own bespoke photography or videography adventure, explore our Expedition Packages.

Continue exploring Raja Ampat Photo Expedition:
Our Raja Ampat Photo Expedition Service ·
Meet Our Team ·
Editorial Standards ·
Methodology ·
Sustainability ·
Safety & Compliance