Bringing the Co-Living Concept to Indonesia

The concept of renting empty space in the digital era is one of the business opportunities that many parties are starting to cultivate. These vacant rooms are usually offered as a place to work to occupancy. In big cities this model may work well due to high rents and limited space, but if implemented in Indonesia will its popularity be evenly distributed in all cities.

The rental concept I mean is co-working space and also co-living. The first concept has been successful enough to be present in many cities in Indonesia. In addition to offices, co-working spaces are often places for freelancers to work. The second concept, co-living is fairly new in Indonesia. A co-living startup from Singapore, Hamlet, plans to expand in Indonesia this year. The question is whether the concept of co-living can really be accepted in Indonesia?

Still new in Indonesia

Startups that are trying to explore the concept of co-living in Indonesia have two important tasks. The first introduces the concept of co-living and the second introduces brand themselves. This condition can be an advantage, meaning that their brand can be strengthened by the concept of co-living. On the other hand, this requires a lot of energy (and may cost).

In Indonesia, which has provided co-living services is the Freeware Spaces Group. Freeware Spaces CEO Aryo Ariotedjo in previous interview with DailySocial revealed, the concept of co-living is similar to the concept of boarding house in Indonesia. Because abroad the concept does not recognize boarding house, from there the concept of co-living was born. It's just that co-living looks more complete because of the public facilities offered.

Needs, culture and prices

If you look at the trend of startup services in Indonesia, the needs, culture, and price will determine the popularity and adoption of the community. Having all three is not an easy matter.

In terms of needs, the demand may be most suitable for fresh graduate employees who already have a decent income but do not own their own property. Here he needs a living environment that supports his career.

From a cultural perspective, the concept of co-living tends to be "foreign", although Indonesia also recognizes the concept of boarding houses. Cultivating a co-living lifestyle still takes time.

The last factor and usually the determining factor in Indonesia is the question of price. Looking at the facilities and prices offered, the tendency of the co-living concept is to target certain groups who are able to reach it. Seeing the adaptation in society that eventually gave birth to "sachet" price packages, to reach a wider audience requires innovation on the side pricing.

Co-living is not without opportunities in Indonesia. In Bali, it is easier to combine the concepts of co-living and co-working in one place. The same concept is more difficult to implement in urban areas like Jabodetabek. However, co-living can be an option for those who want to maintain a collaborative atmosphere but still need a private space.