Meet Our Team of Master Builders and Maritime Experts
The creation of a bespoke Phinisi yacht is a symphony of diverse talents. It requires the inherited wisdom of master shipwrights, the precision of modern engineers, and the vision of experienced project managers. At Indonesia Yacht Builder, our team represents this perfect fusion, a collective of dedicated professionals who share a passion for maritime excellence and Indonesian heritage. We are a proud entity within the Juara Holding Group, leveraging a network of expertise to deliver unparalleled results.
Ahmad Sulaeman
Founder & Managing Director
Credentials: M.Sc. in Maritime Engineering (Delft University of Technology), B.Eng. in Naval Architecture (Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember – ITS Surabaya).
Bio: Ahmad is the visionary behind Indonesia Yacht Builder. Raised in a family with deep roots in Sulawesi’s maritime trade, he combined his cultural heritage with a world-class education in naval engineering. After a decade working with leading European shipyards, Ahmad returned to Indonesia with a mission: to elevate the Phinisi to a global symbol of luxury craftsmanship. He bridges the gap between our international clientele and the traditional builders in Bira, ensuring every project is a seamless fusion of authentic artistry and modern performance. His leadership is guided by a profound respect for the Konjo culture and a relentless pursuit of perfection.
Daeng Karim
Master Shipwright (Kepala Tukang)
Credentials: Over 45 years of hands-on experience in Phinisi construction, a direct descendant of a long line of Konjo master builders from the Bira region.
Bio: Daeng Karim is the heart and soul of our shipyard. He is a living library of traditional shipbuilding knowledge, an art passed down through generations without written blueprints. Daeng Karim leads the entire construction process on the ground, from selecting the perfect Ulin timber for the keel to overseeing the final planking and caulking. His intuitive understanding of wood, balance, and form is something that cannot be taught in a university. He guides our team of local craftsmen, ensuring every vessel is imbued with the true spirit and structural integrity of a genuine Phinisi.
Isabelle Dubois
Lead Naval Architect & Systems Engineer
Credentials: Certified Naval Architect (RINA), PMP®, Member of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME).
Bio: Isabelle brings international rigor and technical precision to our builds. With extensive experience in luxury yacht design in the Mediterranean, she is an expert in integrating modern propulsion, navigation, and hotel systems into traditional wooden hulls. She works hand-in-hand with Daeng Karim, using advanced CAD software to model and test designs that respect the Phinisi’s aesthetic while ensuring compliance with international maritime safety standards like SOLAS and MARPOL. Isabelle is the crucial link that guarantees our yachts are as safe and technologically advanced as they are beautiful.
Santi Dewi
Head of Interior Architecture & Design
Credentials: Bachelor of Interior Design (Institut Teknologi Bandung – ITB), featured in Tatler Indonesia Homes.
Bio: Santi is responsible for creating the breathtaking interiors that define our luxury vessels. Her design philosophy is rooted in ‘tropical modernism,’ blending clean lines and contemporary comfort with authentic Indonesian materials. She travels the archipelago to source unique elements for each project—hand-woven Ikat textiles from Sumba, volcanic stone from Java, rattan from Kalimantan, and custom brasswork from Balinese artisans. Santi works intimately with each client to translate their personal style into a functional, elegant, and uniquely Indonesian living space on the water.
Michael Chen
Director of Client Relations & Project Management
Credentials: MBA (INSEAD), over 15 years in luxury hospitality management with brands like Aman and Four Seasons in Southeast Asia.
Bio: Michael is the primary point of contact for our clients throughout the commissioning journey. His background in five-star hospitality ensures a client experience that is as seamless and luxurious as the yachts we build. Fluent in English, Mandarin, and Bahasa Indonesia, he excels at managing complex projects, providing regular, transparent updates, and coordinating everything from client visits to the Bira shipyard to the final handover and delivery. Michael’s meticulous attention to detail ensures that every client’s vision is realized on time and to the highest standard. For inquiries, you can reach him and his team at bd@juaraholding.com.
Our collective expertise is governed by a strict code of conduct, which you can review on our Editorial Standards page. Ready to begin the conversation? Contact our team today.
Continue exploring Indonesia Yacht Builder:
Our Indonesia Yacht Builder Service ·
Meet Our Team ·
Editorial Standards ·
Methodology ·
Sustainability ·
Safety & Compliance
The scent of ironwood mingling with the salty sea breeze is the first whisper of a dream taking shape, a testament to centuries of shipbuilding mastery.
The enduring legacy of Phinisi craftsmanship
At the heart of every magnificent vessel crafted by Indonesia Yacht Builder lies a profound respect for the seafaring traditions of the Bugis and Konjo people of South Sulawesi. These master shipwrights, whose knowledge has been meticulously passed down through generations, employ techniques that date back to the 15th century. They work with a deep understanding of natural materials, selecting timbers like robust ulin (ironwood) and elegant teak for their inherent strength and beauty. Each plank is hand-carved, each joint precisely fitted, transforming raw wood into a graceful, ocean-faring work of art. This ancient art form, recognized by UNESCO in 2017 as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, forms the very soul of our luxury Phinisi yachts.
While honoring these time-honored methods, Indonesia Yacht Builder seamlessly integrates cutting-edge naval architecture and engineering. Our design process begins long before the first timber is laid, with a meticulous conceptualization phase that marries traditional aesthetics with modern performance requirements. This involves sophisticated hydrodynamic analysis, advanced stability calculations, and the implementation of state-of-the-art navigation and safety systems. The result is a vessel that not only embodies timeless Indonesian heritage but also meets the most rigorous international maritime standards for comfort, efficiency, and safety, ensuring a peerless experience on the open water.
Every curve and line of a bespoke Phinisi from Indonesia Yacht Builder tells a story of meticulous dedication. From the initial design sketches that capture a client’s unique vision to the final varnishing of the intricate interiors, our team ensures an unparalleled level of detail. The construction of a luxury Phinisi, often ranging from 30 to 50 meters in length, is a complex ballet of hundreds of skilled artisans and takes an average of 18 to 36 months to complete. This extended timeline reflects the commitment to perfection, where no detail is overlooked, guaranteeing a vessel that is not merely a mode of transport but a floating masterpiece.
Crafting unparalleled luxury for discerning travelers
Beyond the structural integrity and traditional artistry, the interiors of an Indonesia Yacht Builder Phinisi redefine luxury at sea. Imagine stepping aboard a vessel where every element, from the bespoke furnishings crafted by local artisans to the finest linens, is curated for ultimate comfort and aesthetic pleasure. Spacious cabins feature en-suite bathrooms, often with natural light and panoramic views, while expansive decks offer sun-drenched lounging areas, shaded alfresco dining spaces, and inviting plunge pools. State-of-the-art entertainment systems, high-speed connectivity, and gourmet galleys staffed by world-class chefs complete an environment designed for indulgence and relaxation.
The experience of chartering or owning a luxury Phinisi built by Indonesia Yacht Builder extends far beyond the vessel itself. It unlocks access to some of the world’s most pristine and enchanting marine destinations. Picture yourself sailing through the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Komodo National Park, home to the legendary Komodo dragons, or exploring the kaleidoscopic coral reefs and vibrant marine life of Raja Ampat, an archipelago renowned for its unparalleled biodiversity. Each itinerary is meticulously tailored to the individual desires of our discerning clientele, offering opportunities for diving, snorkeling, paddleboarding, or simply unwinding in secluded coves across Indonesia’s more than 17,500 islands.
Our commitment to delivering an extraordinary luxury experience is matched by a deep dedication to sustainable tourism. Indonesia Yacht Builder recognizes the delicate balance required to enjoy these pristine environments responsibly. We incorporate eco-friendly practices into our operations, from waste management protocols to sourcing sustainable materials where possible, ensuring that the breathtaking beauty of Indonesia’s marine ecosystems is preserved for generations to come. This ethos allows our clients to explore the archipelago’s wonders with peace of mind, knowing their journey contributes positively to the conservation of these irreplaceable natural treasures.