Meet Our Team of Manggarai Specialists
Komodo Agrotourism is defined by the passion and expertise of its people. Our team is a unique blend of seasoned hospitality professionals, local cultural custodians, and academic experts, all united by a shared love for Flores and a commitment to responsible travel. We don’t just work here; many of us were born here. This deep, personal connection to the Manggarai highlands is the foundation of every journey we create.
Leadership & Strategy
Budi Santoso
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Credentials: M.A. in Sustainable Tourism Management, Gadjah Mada University (UGM); Certified Hospitality Administrator (CHA).
Bio: Budi is the visionary behind Komodo Agrotourism. With over 15 years of experience in luxury eco-lodges across the Indonesian archipelago, he saw an opportunity to apply the principles of high-end, sustainable hospitality to the rich agricultural landscape of Flores. As part of the leadership at our parent company, Juara Holding Group, Budi provides the strategic direction that ensures our operations are not only commercially sound but also culturally and environmentally regenerative. He is a passionate advocate for community-based tourism and frequently consults with the Kementerian Pariwisata on developing national standards for agrotourism.
Maria da Costa
Head of Flores Operations & Community Liaison
Credentials: Certified Expert Tour Guide, Himpunan Pramuwisata Indonesia (HPI); Diploma in English for Tourism, Universitas Nusa Cendana.
Bio: Born and raised in a village just outside Ruteng, Maria is the heart and soul of our on-the-ground operations. Her intimate knowledge of Manggarai culture, language, and social structures is invaluable. Maria personally vets every farm-stay partner, maintains our relationships with village elders, and ensures that our tours operate with the utmost respect for local customs. Before joining us, she was one of the most sought-after cultural guides in Flores, known for her ability to bridge the gap between visitors and local communities with warmth and authenticity.
Expertise & Curation
Dr. Iwan Setiawan
Agronomy & Coffee Specialist
Credentials: Ph.D. in Soil Science, IPB University; Certified Q Grader.
Bio: Dr. Iwan is our resident expert on all things agriculture. His academic research focused on the unique volcanic terroir of the Flores highlands and its impact on the flavor profile of Arabica coffee. He spent a decade working with local farming cooperatives, helping them implement sustainable farming practices and improve crop quality to meet international specialty coffee standards. Dr. Iwan designed our signature ‘Bean to Cup’ coffee experiences, ensuring they are not only enjoyable but also scientifically and agriculturally accurate. He is the guardian of the authenticity of our agrotourism promise.
Theresia Nggo
Cultural Heritage & Weaving Advisor
Credentials: Master Weaver (‘Ibu Tenun’) of the Todo tradition; Recipient of the Upakarti Award for cultural preservation.
Bio: Theresia is not an employee in the traditional sense; she is a revered cultural advisor and a living treasure of Manggarai. A master of the intricate ‘tenun songke’ weaving style, she guides our interactions with the weaving communities, ensuring our workshops are respectful and that the artisans are compensated fairly through a direct trade model. She advises us on the correct interpretation of cultural ceremonies and stories, helping us present Manggarai heritage with the accuracy and dignity it deserves. Her involvement is critical to our mission and is a key part of our editorial verification process.
Alistair Finch
Director of Guest Experience
Credentials: 12 years of experience with Aman Resorts and Four Seasons in Southeast Asia.
Bio: Alistair brings a world-class understanding of luxury service to our unique product. He is responsible for ensuring that every aspect of a guest’s journey—from the initial inquiry to the farewell at Komodo Airport (LBJ)—is seamless, personalized, and exceeds expectations. He trains our local guides in anticipatory service, manages our fleet of vehicles for maximum comfort and safety, and works with our farm-stay partners to elevate their hospitality standards without compromising their authenticity. Alistair’s expertise ensures that a rugged, authentic adventure is also a comfortable and relaxing one.
Our Extended Family
Beyond our core team, Komodo Agrotourism is powered by a dedicated network of local guides, drivers, boat captains, and host families across Flores. Each is a member of our extended family, selected not just for their skills, but for their kindness, reliability, and pride in sharing their culture. They are the true ambassadors of Manggarai, and the reason our guests leave with memories that last a lifetime. Explore our unique agrotourism journeys curated by this expert team.
Continue exploring Komodo Agrotourism:
Our Komodo Agrotourism Service ·
Meet Our Team ·
Editorial Standards ·
Methodology ·
Sustainability ·
Safety & Compliance
The aroma of freshly brewed Flores coffee mingles with the earthy scent of volcanic soil as our guides prepare for another bespoke journey. This deep sensory connection to the land is not merely an itinerary highlight; it is the very essence of our team’s expertise, woven into every luxury agrotourism experience we meticulously curate.
Agrotourism expertise in action
Beyond the impressive credentials of our leadership, the Komodo Agrotourism team is a vibrant tapestry of specialized talents, each contributing to the authenticity and depth of your journey. Our agricultural specialists, many of whom come from generations of local farmers in the Manggarai highlands, possess an intimate knowledge of Flores’ diverse ecosystems and traditional farming practices. They work hand-in-hand with our culinary
