Constructing Political Influence in Labor Day Speech: An SFL Analysis of Prabowo Subianto’s Political Discourse

Abstract

This study examines the construction of political influence in Prabowo Subianto’s Labor Day speech through the framework of Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL). Using a qualitative descriptive approach, the study analyzes the speech based on Halliday’s three metafunctions: ideational, interpersonal, and textual meanings, focusing on transitivity, mood, modality, thematic structure, and lexical patterns. The findings reveal that material processes dominate the speech, emphasizing action-oriented leadership through promises, policies, and commitments toward workers’ welfare. Relational and mental processes are also employed to construct solidarity, empathy, and moral positioning. Interpersonally, the speech is characterized by dominant declarative moods and high modality expressions, which project authority, certainty, and political commitment. The frequent use of inclusive pronouns such as ‘kita’ and ‘saudara-saudara’ reduces social distance and strengthens solidarity between the speaker and the audience. Textually, repetitive thematic structures and labor-centered lexical patterns reinforce nationalist ideology, collective struggle, and persuasive political messaging. Overall, the speech strategically constructs Prabowo Subianto as a protective, populist, and decisive leader who aligns himself with workers and ordinary citizens against social and economic injustice. Limitations and implications are suggested to provide insights for future researchers in conducting further studies on political discourse and SFL analysis.