Metacommunication in public discourse: A case study of the utterance of 'Stupid Worldwide' by Ahmad Sahroni

Rusli Rusli; Emil  Fatra; Amru Siola; Thiara Tri Funny  Manguma

doi:10.55942/pssj.v5i7.717

Authors

Rusli Rusli Universitas Indonesia Timur
Emil Fatra Universitas Almarisah Madani https://orcid.org/0009-0006-7635-5037
Amru Siola Universitas Icshan Sidenreng Rappang
Thiara Tri Funny Manguma Universitas Almarisah Madani

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55942/pssj.v5i7.717

Keywords:

metacommunications, public, media social, politic

Abstract

This study aims to analyze how metacommunication works in the case of the worldwide stupid speech controversy by Ahmad Sahroni related to the dissolution of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia. The remark gained public attention not because of the substance of the message about the danger of dissolving the House of Representatives, but because of the choice of words that were considered rude and inappropriate to be uttered by a state official. This research uses a qualitative approach with a case study method through the analysis of critical discourse on statement texts, media reports, and public interaction on social media. The results show that the metacommunication aspect, especially diction and delivery style, is more dominant in shaping public perception than the substance of political messages. Media framing that highlights the world's stupid diction and virality on social media magnifies the resonance of controversy, making it a digital popular culture phenomenon. This controversy not only impacts Sahroni's personal image but also has implications for the institutional delegitimization of the House of Representatives, further deepening the crisis of public trust. Thus, this study confirms that in political communication in the digital age, legitimacy is not only determined by substantive performance, but also by the way elites choose words and communication styles, as well as how their messages are perceived and reproduced in the media space.

Author Biographies

Rusli Rusli, Universitas Indonesia Timur

Rusli is affiliated with Universitas Indonesia Timur

Emil Fatra, Universitas Almarisah Madani

Emil Fatra is affiliated with Universitas Almarisah Madani

Amru Siola, Universitas Icshan Sidenreng Rappang

Amru Siola is affiliated with Universitas Icshan Sidenreng Rappang

Thiara Tri Funny Manguma, Universitas Almarisah Madani

Thiara Tri Funny Manguma is affiliated with Universitas Almarisah Madani

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