Doublespeak in political jargon: A Lutzian analysis of the 2024 Indonesian presidential debate

Smeer, Zeid B., Nurhadi, Nurhadi ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7397-3474, Ma'ali, Abul ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6473-2783, Ismawati, Hermi ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7217-8863 and Fitrotulloh, Mohamad Rofik (2026) Doublespeak in political jargon: A Lutzian analysis of the 2024 Indonesian presidential debate. INJECT (Interdisciplinary Journal of Communication), 11 (1). pp. 1033-1056. ISSN 2548-5857

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Abstract

This study examines the use of jargon in Indonesia’s 2024 presidential debate using William Lutz’s Doublespeak theory. It identifies the forms and functions of political jargon as rhetorical tools to frame political realities and influence public opinion. Using a qualitative descriptive approach and ethnography of communication, the study analyzes transcripts from the first official debate (December 12, 2023). Findings reveal that Anies Baswedan used the most jargon (37.37%), followed by Prabowo and Ganjar (31.31% each). Jargon serves to build credibility while obscuring policy substance through technocratic language. Thus, jargon operates as doublespeak that shapes perception and legitimizes political power.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Keywords:	political jargon; doublespeak; political communication; presidential debate
Subjects:	20 LANGUAGE, COMMUNICATION AND CULTURE > 2004 Linguistics > 200403 Discourse and Pragmatics > 20040301 Pragmatics - Speech Acts (incl. Locution, Illocution Perlocution)
Divisions:	Faculty of Sharia and Law > Department of Islamic Constitutional Law
Depositing User:	Abul Ma'ali
Date Deposited:	14 Oct 2026 09:53

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