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 Heart of Our Operations: Local Expertise and Community Engagement
The crisp mountain air of the Manggarai highlands, carrying the scent of arabica coffee blossoms and fertile earth, is more than just our home; it’s the living canvas for our team’s passion. Beyond the impressive credentials, our strength lies in an unparalleled local understanding. Our cultural custodians, often elders and storytellers from the very communities we partner with, are the living libraries of Flores. They don’t merely guide; they share generations of wisdom, weaving intricate narratives of traditional farming, ancient ceremonies, and the delicate balance between humanity and nature. This intimate connection ensures every Komodo Agrotourism journey is steeped in genuine authenticity, offering guests a rare glimpse into a way of life preserved with pride.
This deep-rooted local presence translates directly into tangible benefits for the region. We believe that true luxury travel must be inherently responsible, and our team embodies this principle through steadfast community engagement. Over 80% of our team members are proud residents of Flores, many hailing from the very villages where our agrotourism experiences unfold. This commitment extends to direct partnerships with local farmers and artisans, ensuring that the economic benefits of tourism circulate within the communities, fostering sustainable livelihoods and preserving indigenous knowledge. Our team facilitates these connections, allowing guests to witness firsthand the positive impact of their travel choices.
Our custodians are also instrumental in showcasing Flores’ rich artistic heritage. From the intricate ikat weaving traditions passed down through families to the rhythmic Gendang Manggarai music that echoes through the valleys, they bridge the gap between visitor and local culture. Guests learn not just about the landscape but about the soul of its people, participating in workshops that support local craftspeople and experiencing the vibrant spirit of Manggarai hospitality. This collaborative approach ensures that while you explore the stunning natural beauty of Flores Island, you are also contributing to its cultural vitality.
Cultivating Excellence: Our Agrotourism Specialists
The essence of Komodo Agrotourism lies in its innovative blend of luxury hospitality and immersive agricultural experiences, a fusion meticulously crafted by our specialist team. Our agricultural experts, many holding degrees in agronomy and sustainable land management, work hand-in-hand with local farmers to implement best practices that enhance both yield and ecological integrity. They are the architects behind our unique farm-to-table dining experiences, transforming the freshest local produce—from rare vanilla beans to single-origin coffee—into culinary masterpieces. Guests are invited to learn about the journey of their food, from seed to plate, directly from the people who cultivate it.
Flores is a treasure trove of biodiversity, and our team is dedicated to highlighting its unique agricultural bounty. The Manggarai highlands, reaching elevations of up to 1,200 meters, provide the ideal microclimates for our renowned Arabica coffee, known for its distinct earthy and chocolate notes. Our specialists guide guests through verdant coffee plantations, explaining the nuances of cultivation, harvesting, and processing. Beyond coffee, they introduce visitors to the delicate art of vanilla cultivation, the vibrant spices that flavor local cuisine, and the array of tropical fruits that thrive in this fertile landscape. Each year, our partners cultivate over 20 unique heirloom varietals of coffee and vanilla, ensuring a diverse and rich harvest that directly benefits more than 50 local farming families.
The agrotourism team’s expertise extends to educational programming designed to enrich the guest experience. They lead interactive sessions on organic farming techniques, permaculture principles, and the importance of preserving heirloom seeds. These aren’t just tours; they are opportunities for profound learning and connection with the land. Our specialists ensure that every aspect of the agricultural journey, from a morning spent picking coffee cherries to an afternoon learning traditional cooking methods, is delivered with the highest standards of luxury and personalized attention, creating memories that are both enriching and deeply resonant with the spirit of West Manggarai.
Crafting Unforgettable Journeys: The Luxury Experience Team
The final, crucial layer of the Komodo Agrotourism experience is meticulously woven by our luxury experience team. These seasoned hospitality professionals possess an innate understanding of discerning travelers’ needs, translating desires into seamless, bespoke itineraries. From the moment you contemplate your journey, they are dedicated to curating every detail, ensuring that your stay is not just comfortable but truly transformative. Their expertise encompasses everything from private charter arrangements and personalized dietary considerations to arranging exclusive access to hidden waterfalls or intimate cultural performances, all executed with an unwavering commitment to excellence and discretion.
Our team prides itself on an intimate guest-to-staff ratio, ensuring that every request is anticipated and every need met with effortless grace. They are the silent orchestrators behind the scenes, ensuring that your luxury eco-lodge stay complements your agrotourism adventures perfectly. Imagine returning from a day exploring coffee plantations to a gourmet meal prepared with ingredients harvested just hours before, followed by a bespoke spa treatment overlooking the serene Flores Sea. This seamless integration of authentic local experiences with world-class amenities is the hallmark of our luxury team’s dedication, creating an environment where relaxation and discovery coexist harmoniously.
Ultimately, our luxury experience team are memory-makers. They understand that true luxury is about more than just opulent surroundings; it’s about the feeling of being utterly cared for, of experiencing genuine connection, and of discovering something truly unique. Their commitment to safety, comfort, and personalized service ensures that your journey through Komodo Agrotourism is not just a vacation, but a deeply personal adventure, leaving you with cherished memories and a profound appreciation for the beauty and culture of Flores.
