A PRAGMATIC STUDY OF SPEECH ACTS IN POLITICAL DISCOURSES: BAHLIL LAHADALIA’S RHETORIC ON BBM PRICES

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the use of speech acts in the statements of Bahlil Lahadalia regarding the
fuel price increase (BBM) policy. This research employs a qualitative approach within the framework
of pragmatics, focusing on speech act theory. The data were collected from Bahlil Lahadalia’s public
statement delivered on April 20, 2026, which addresses the government's position on the BBM issue.
The data were analyzed by identifying and classifying the locutionary, illocutionary, and
perlocutionary acts found in the statements. The findings reveal that various types of speech acts are
present in the data, with illocutionary acts playing a dominant role in conveying intentions such as
asserting information, justifying policies, and responding to public concerns. These illocutionary
forces consist of assertive (4 instances), directive (2 instances), commissive (1 instance), expressive (1
instance), and declarative (1 instance) acts. Locutionary acts function to deliver the literal meaning of
the statements, while perlocutionary acts reflect the potential effects on the audience, particularly in
shaping public perception and response. The analysis also shows that the use of these speech acts in
political discourse is strategic and purposeful. Consequently, this study indicates that Lahadalia’s
statements on the BBM issue perform specific communicative actions that convey meaning, intention,
and influence. This research contributes to the understanding of how language is used in political
communication, especially in addressing sensitive socio-economic issues.
Keywords: Bahlil Lahadalia, BBM policy, political discourse, pragmatics, speech acts