A discourse analysis on political orations of Golkar party: Quoted in Arena Kampanye column of Jawa Pos from 12th of March to 2nd of April 2004

ABSTRACT

The campaigning period is crucial for political parties, as it allows them to promote and popularize their party within a limited timeframe, from March 1 to April 2, 2004. During this period, various campaign strategies are employed, including pamphlets, mass media advertisements, and political orations in open fields. For Golkar Party, political oration was a significant method of campaigning, providing a direct and face-to-face engagement with the public, particularly its sympathizers. National orators from Golkar utilized their linguistic skills to communicate the party’s identity and programs, aiming to garner public sympathy and support in the legislative elections.

These orators strategically used specific words and issues to influence public opinion, ideological beliefs, and philosophical choices, presenting a favorable image of the party. Key topics often addressed included combating corruption, eradicating injustice, establishing good governance, enhancing the national education system, enforcing laws, and supporting public interests. These issues were framed as essential for upholding democracy in Indonesia.

This research aims to identify key or salient words used in Golkar’s political orations, as reported in the Arena Kampanye column of Jawa Pos from March 11 to April 2, 2004, and to uncover the underlying ideologies within these words. Employing a descriptive qualitative research design, the study analyzes sentences from these orations, with the researcher serving as the primary instrument for interpretation. The study concludes that certain keywords in each oration are particularly powerful in evoking emotional responses and securing public sympathy and endorsement. The research examined ten political orations and identified ideologies such as the morality of Indonesian leaders, educational improvements, economic development, national safety, a modern and open paradigm for Golkar, and justice for all.