Meet Our Team of Maritime Experts and Master Craftsmen
The creation of a Komodo Yacht Construction Phinisi is a symphony of diverse talents, blending international engineering precision with time-honored Indonesian craftsmanship. Our leadership team embodies this synthesis, bringing together decades of experience in naval architecture, luxury hospitality, project management, and the sacred art of Bugis shipbuilding. We are proud to introduce the core individuals guiding our vision.
Adrian Hartono
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Credentials: MBA, INSEAD; B.Sc. in Naval Architecture, University of Southampton; Member of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN).
Bio: Adrian is the visionary force behind Komodo Yacht Construction. After a successful career in international project finance, his passion for Indonesia’s maritime heritage and a desire to preserve its unique shipbuilding skills led him to establish our shipyard. He combines a deep appreciation for the Phinisi tradition with a rigorous, business-minded approach to project delivery, ensuring every yacht is not only a work of art but also a sound investment. Adrian oversees the strategic direction of the company and maintains key relationships with our UHNW clientele and partners within the Juara Holding Group.
Isabelle Dubois
Lead Naval Architect & Head of Engineering
Credentials: M.Eng in Naval Architecture, École Nationale Supérieure de Techniques Avancées (ENSTA Paris); Member, Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA).
Bio: Isabelle brings over 15 years of experience from leading superyacht design firms in Monaco and the Netherlands. Fascinated by the challenge of integrating modern engineering into traditional wooden hulls, she moved to Indonesia to specialize in the Phinisi. Isabelle leads our technical team, responsible for structural analysis, stability calculations, systems integration, and ensuring every vessel meets or exceeds international classification standards (BKI, RINA). Her work is crucial in transforming a traditional vessel into a globally compliant and exceptionally seaworthy superyacht.
Daeng Karim
Master Shipwright (Kepala Tukang)
Credentials: Fifth-generation Master Shipwright from Tana Beru, South Sulawesi; Portfolio of over 30 Phinisi and Lambo vessels.
Bio: Daeng Karim is the heart and soul of our shipyard. He is a living library of boat-building knowledge, passed down through his family for centuries. Daeng leads the team of local craftsmen, overseeing the entire hull construction process from the keel-laying ceremony to the final planking. He works without blueprints, using techniques and instincts honed over a lifetime. His role is to ensure that every yacht we build retains the authentic spirit and structural integrity that has made the Phinisi legendary. He is our guardian of tradition.
Sofia Wijaya
Director of Operations & Compliance
Credentials: PMP (Project Management Professional); LL.M. in Maritime Law, Gadjah Mada University.
Bio: Sofia is the organizational backbone of Komodo Yacht Construction. She manages all shipyard operations, from procurement of sustainable materials to project timelines and budget oversight. Her expertise in Indonesian maritime law is invaluable, as she navigates the complex regulatory landscape, managing all licensing with the Directorate General of Sea Transportation (Ditjen Perhubungan Laut) and ensuring full compliance with labor laws, including BPJS insurance for all our workers. Sofia ensures that our creative vision is executed with precision, efficiency, and unwavering integrity.
David Chen
Head of Client Experience & Bespoke Design
Credentials: Over 20 years in UHNW client management (private aviation and luxury real estate).
Bio: David is the primary point of contact for our clients throughout their bespoke build journey. His deep understanding of the expectations and nuances of the UHNW market ensures a seamless and personalized experience. He works closely with clients and their chosen interior designers to translate their lifestyle requirements into functional and beautiful spaces onboard. From initial concept meetings to private viewings at the shipyard and the final handover ceremony, David ensures that the process of building a yacht with us is as exceptional as the final product itself. His work is guided by our rigorous Editorial Standards for communication and transparency.
Continue exploring Komodo Yacht Construction:
Our Komodo Yacht Construction Service ·
Meet Our Team ·
Editorial Standards ·
Methodology ·
Sustainability ·
Safety & Compliance
The symphony of skill: Blending ancient traditions with modern precision
The scent of aged teak and the rhythmic tap of a craftsman’s hammer fill the air, a testament to the living heritage that defines every vessel born from our Komodo yacht construction facility. While our leadership team charts the course with contemporary project management and naval architecture, the soul of each phinisi lies in the hands of artisans whose knowledge spans generations. These master builders, many from the seafaring Bugis and Konjo tribes of South Sulawesi, employ techniques honed over centuries, passed down orally and through direct apprenticeship. They understand wood not just as a material, but as a living entity, selecting each plank for its inherent strength and character. The keel, often crafted from robust Ulin (ironwood) beams aged for up to 50 years, forms the very backbone of the vessel, laid with a precision that defies modern tools, relying instead on keen eyes and practiced hands.
Yet, tradition is seamlessly interwoven with cutting-edge marine engineering. Our design process begins with sophisticated 3D modeling and hydrodynamic analysis, ensuring optimal performance, stability, and fuel efficiency on the open seas. This data then informs the traditional lines of the phinisi, allowing for modern amenities and complex systems—from advanced navigation and communication suites to state-of-the-art propulsion and climate control—to be integrated without compromising the vessel’s classic aesthetic. Every Komodo yacht construction project adheres to rigorous international safety standards, certified by leading maritime classification societies. The result is a vessel that honors its past while embracing the future, offering unparalleled safety, comfort, and performance for luxury tourism in the pristine waters of Indonesia and beyond. A typical luxury phinisi build can take anywhere from 18 to 36 months, depending on its size and bespoke features, a meticulous process involving hundreds of detailed steps.
Crafting a legacy: Beyond the build, a commitment to heritage and sustainability
Our commitment at Komodo Yacht Construction extends far beyond the hull and sails; it encompasses the preservation of a profound cultural heritage and the sustainable future of Indonesia’s maritime industry. The art of Phinisi shipbuilding, recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, is a treasure we actively nurture. We invest in local communities by providing fair wages, comprehensive training programs, and opportunities for young apprentices to learn from the master craftsmen. Our shipyard typically engages a core team of 80-100 skilled local artisans, with peak construction periods seeing up to 150 individuals contributing to a single vessel. This dedication ensures that these invaluable skills, threatened by modernization, continue to thrive and evolve, supporting families and sustaining the unique cultural identity of the region.
Sustainability is not merely a buzzword for us; it is a core principle guiding every decision. We meticulously source our primary timbers, Ulin (ironwood) and Teak, from responsibly managed, certified forests in Sulawesi and Kalimantan, ensuring environmental impact is minimized. Our waste management protocols are stringent, and we continuously explore innovative, eco-friendly materials and construction methods to reduce our carbon footprint. By building durable, high-quality vessels designed to last for decades, we contribute to a circular economy, reducing the need for frequent replacements. This holistic approach means that when you choose a Komodo yacht construction phinisi, you are not just acquiring a luxury vessel; you are investing in a sustainable future, celebrating authentic Indonesian craftsmanship, and supporting the vibrant communities that bring these magnificent ships to life. Our efforts align with national initiatives for responsible tourism and conservation, as highlighted by Indonesia.travel.
Your vision realized: The bespoke journey of a Komodo luxury phinisi
Imagine a vessel that is an extension of your dreams, perfectly tailored to your desires for exploration, relaxation, and unparalleled luxury. This is the promise of a Komodo luxury phinisi. Our dedicated client liaison team works intimately with you from the initial concept phase through to the final sea trials, translating your vision into tangible reality. Whether you envision expansive sun decks for entertaining, opulent master suites with panoramic views, state-of-the-art dive centers, or gourmet galleys, our designers and engineers collaborate to integrate every detail seamlessly. We offer a vast array of customization options, from the finest interior finishes and bespoke furniture crafted by local artisans to advanced entertainment systems and innovative deck layouts, ensuring your phinisi is truly one-of-a-kind. Our phinisis typically range from 30 to over 60 meters in length, offering immense flexibility in design.
The journey of building your bespoke phinisi is an experience in itself, marked by transparency and constant communication. Clients are invited to visit our shipyard in Indonesia at various stages of construction, witnessing firsthand the meticulous craftsmanship and the passion poured into their vessel. From the selection of exotic hardwoods to the precise stitching of sails, every element reflects a commitment to excellence. The culmination is a luxury yacht that not only meets but exceeds expectations, ready to navigate the turquoise waters of Komodo National Park, Raja Ampat, or any other dream destination. With an average cruising speed of 8-10 knots and a range designed for extended voyages, your Komodo yacht construction phinisi offers the freedom to explore remote archipelagos in ultimate comfort and style, creating memories that will last a lifetime.