DECODING HIDDEN MEANINGS: A PRAGMATIC AND VAN DIJK’S CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF INDONESIA’S DIPLOMACY DILEMMA IN MODERN DIPLOMACY

Abstract

This study used critical discourse analysis to analyze Indonesia's diplomatic discourse in BoP membership, focusing on the dimension of implicature meaning, and also using Teun A. van Dijk's socio-cognitive theory in analyzing the author's social cognition, as well as the role of the media in shaping public perception. The findings show that Indonesia's membership, rather than being a breakthrough in peace diplomacy, has instead raised critical scrutiny of the consistency of the "Bebas Aktif" principle. The BoP's decision to exclude Palestine and expand membership to Israel exhibits bias that creates perceptions of injustice, while the involvement of prominent political figures such as Donald Trump reinforces the impression that peace diplomacy is more directed by particular interests than universal values. The social context analysis also highlights how the media, particularly Modern Diplomacy, frames political issues through ideologically biased narratives, thus influencing public opinion and trust in Indonesia's foreign policy. This study contributes to the development of scientific knowledge by emphasizing that diplomatic discourse is not merely formal communication, but rather an instrument that shapes a country's legitimacy and international image.