Updated: May 2026
Meet Our Team of Specialists
The soul of the Baliem Valley Highlands Society is our people. We have assembled a multi-disciplinary team of seasoned professionals, each a leader in their respective field. From career logisticians from our parent company, Juara Holding Group, to esteemed cultural liaisons from the Jayawijaya Regency, our collective expertise ensures every journey is seamless, insightful, and executed to the highest standard of safety and luxury. Our commitment to factual, on-the-ground reporting is governed by our strict Editorial Standards.
Dr. Aria Wibisana
Founder & Chief Strategist
Credentials: Ph.D. in Anthropology, Universitas Gadjah Mada; 20+ years with Juara Holding Group.
Bio: Aria is the visionary behind the Baliem Valley Highlands Society. As a senior executive within Juara Holding Group, he spent years overseeing complex logistical projects in remote Eastern Indonesia. A trained anthropologist, he was captivated by the cultural richness of the Baliem Valley but dismayed by the lack of respectful, high-caliber travel options. He founded the Society to merge his corporate expertise with his passion for cultural preservation, creating a model for sustainable luxury tourism that benefits both visitors and the local community. Aria personally vets our core partnerships and sets the strategic direction for our conservation and community initiatives.
Isabelle Dubois
Director of Client Experience
Credentials: M.S. in Hospitality Management, École hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL); Former General Manager, Aman Resorts.
Bio: Isabelle brings two decades of experience in the ultra-luxury hospitality sector to the team. Having managed some of the world’s most exclusive properties, including a tenure with Aman in Indonesia, she possesses an innate understanding of the expectations of the discerning traveler. Isabelle is responsible for the entire client journey, from initial consultation to post-trip follow-up. She personally designs the ‘soft touches’ of each itinerary—curating menus, selecting amenities, and training our on-the-ground service staff to deliver intuitive, world-class service in a challenging remote environment.
Bapak Obed Wenda
Head of Cultural Liaison & Lead Guide
Credentials: Certified Master Guide, Himpunan Pramuwisata Indonesia (HPI); Member of the Dani Tribal Council.
Bio: Born and raised in a village near Wamena, Bapak Obed is our cultural cornerstone. He is a respected elder and a bridge between our guests and the communities of the Baliem Valley. With over 25 years of experience guiding researchers, documentarians, and dignitaries, his knowledge of the local customs (adat), ecology, and history is unparalleled. Bapak Obed leads our guide training program, ensuring all our journeys are conducted with the utmost respect and authenticity. He personally consults on every itinerary to ensure it aligns with local traditions and community schedules.
Suryo Prawiro
Director of Operations & Safety
Credentials: Certified Safety Professional (CSP); Ex-BASARNAS (National Search and Rescue Agency) Coordinator; IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) Certified.
Bio: The safety and security of our guests and team are Suryo’s absolute priorities. With a background in national search and rescue operations and aviation logistics, he designs and implements our rigorous safety protocols. Suryo manages our entire operational chain, from vetting charter aircraft with the DGCA (Direktorat Jenderal Perhubungan Udara) to planning emergency evacuation routes. He ensures all our equipment, from satellite phones to our vehicle fleet, is maintained to exacting standards. His meticulous planning is the invisible framework that makes complex, remote expeditions feel effortless and secure.
Putu Lestari
Concierge & Logistics Manager
Credentials: Certified Travel Consultant, ASITA (Association of The Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies); 10 years in luxury villa management in Bali.
Bio: Putu is the master of details. Based in our Bali coordination office, she handles the intricate web of bookings, permits, and transfers that underpin every journey. Her extensive network within the Indonesian travel industry allows her to solve logistical challenges with remarkable efficiency. Whether it’s securing last-minute seats on a Garuda Indonesia flight to Jayapura, arranging private lounge access at Sentani Airport (DJJ), or sourcing a specific vintage of wine for a client’s celebration in the highlands, Putu ensures every element of the travel experience is seamless.
Continue exploring Baliem Valley Highlands Society:
Our Baliem Valley Highlands Society Service ·
Meet Our Team ·
Editorial Standards ·
Methodology ·
Sustainability ·
Safety & Compliance
