Argotelo: Educational Tourism Inside a Cassava Processing Center

Students of SDN Gayamsari 02 during an outing class at Wisata Edukasi Argotelo (source: SDN Gayamsari 02)

When people hear the word cassava, they may simply think of a traditional food. However, at Argotelo, cassava is more than just something to eat — it has become a medium for learning and educational tourism.

Many people in Salatiga are already familiar with Argotelo, a cassava processing center that offers various cassava-based products. The name itself combines two words: argo, meaning mountain, and telo, meaning cassava. According to Toni, the owner of Argotelo, the name reflects a hope that goes beyond business success.

“Through the name Argotelo, we carry hope. We hope this cassava business can bring benefits to society and the environment, just as a mountain provides benefits to everything around it,” he explained.

Argotelo did not begin as an educational tourism destination. In its early years, it focused on producing and selling cassava-based products. Over time, however, Toni realized that the business could contribute to the community in a broader way. This idea eventually led to the creation of Argotelo’s educational tourism program, better known as Wisata Edukasi Argotelo.

Through Wisata Edukasi Argotelo, visitors are invited to experience the journey of cassava from farm to table. They can visit the cassava field, learn how cassava is planted and harvested, and take part in the processing stages before it is turned into food products. Rather than simply purchasing cassava-based products, visitors gain firsthand knowledge about agriculture and local food production, as well as a new experience.

Students plant cassava during activities at Wisata Edukasi Argotelo (source: madosijateng.com)

Educational tourism is not merely another business strategy. Instead, it is a way to create wider social and economic benefits. The idea originated from a conversation with his wife when they were planning the business.

“At first, my wife told me that if we wanted to start a business, we should create something remarkable. It should not be just about producing and selling products. Instead, it should be a business that can bring benefits to society on a wider scale,” Toni said.

The presence of groups of visitors, especially students, brings opportunities to people beyond Argotelo itself. Nearby food stalls, for example, often receive more customers during educational visits as children buy snacks and drinks after participating in activities. Local artists are also involved in creating cassava-themed batik, while MSMEs supply additional products such as fruit juices and lunch packages. Argotelo even collaborates with tourism stakeholders from other cities.

What makes this initiative particularly interesting is its rarity. Food production centers that offer educational tourism are still relatively uncommon in Salatiga. While many tourist destinations focus primarily on entertainment, Argotelo offers visitors the opportunity to learn while enjoying the experience. By turning a cassava processing business into a place of learning, Argotelo shows that tourism can be more than recreation — it can also provide learning opportunities, support local economies, and strengthen connections within the community.

(HO)