Coworking Spaces Predicted to Soar in 2020

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Coworking space businesses predict the industry will face a bright future in 2020 following a lively demand for this business segment last year. 

Code Margonda co-founder Didi Diarsa claims that demands for coworking space continue to flourish, especially from companies. The co-founder of the coworking space based in Depok said that the business he runs has seen a rise in occupancy level and plans to expand to alternative clients such as higher education instances. 

“The demands can reach two-folds,” said Didi Diarsa to Tempo on Sunday, February 9. In terms of accelerator partnerships, Didi claims his coworking space has attracted the interest of several notable universities such as Semarang’s University of Diponegoro; Bandung’s Padjajaran University; and the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology in Surabaya. 

Meanwhile, WeWork Southeast Asia & Korea managing director, Turochas Fuad, said the startup industry’s dynamic development is key in its expansion, especially after it is backed by the plethora of young Indonesians along with government support. 

“We see an opportunity for WeWork to bridge the local gap towards creating an ideal environment for startups to learn and develop,” said Turochas who is eyeing to establish one million coworking desks in over 1,000 locations in the second half of 2020. 

WeWork is currently established in 625 global locations spread across over 125 cities. 

The rise of coworking spaces is also backed by property and real estate consultants; Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) and Colliers. Both companies agree that the coworking space industry has contributed to property penetration in office buildings. 

VINDRY FLORENTIN