Seltics Journal: Scope of English Language Teaching, Literature and Linguistics Journal
Vol. 9 No. 1 (2026): Seltics Journal: Scope of English Language Teaching, Literature and Linguistics

The Representation of Ideology in Nadiem Makarim Case by Tech in Asia: An Appraisal and Critical Discourse Analysis Approach

Dini Eka Maulida (Universitas Sumatera Utara, Indonesia)
Madeleine Winday (Universitas Sumatera Utara, Indonesia)
T. Thyrhaya Zein (Universitas Sumatera Utara, Indonesia)
Nurlela (Universitas Sumatera Utara, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
23 Jun 2026

Abstract

This study investigates the representation of Nadiem Makarim in TikTok content published by Tech in Asia by employing Appraisal Theory and Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA). The research aims to identify the evaluative language used in the discourse and examine the ideological tendencies reflected in the media representation. The data consist of 109 clauses collected from opinion, interview, straight news, and hard news content related to the media-reported alleged corruption case involving Nadiem Makarim. A qualitative descriptive approach is employed in this study. The results show that engagement is the most dominant appraisal resource (71.5%), followed by attitude (20.2%) and graduation (8.3%). The frequent use of heteroglossic and monoglossic resources suggests that Tech in Asia constructs legitimacy through selected external voices, particularly from the technology and business sectors. The findings also indicate that Nadiem Makarim is predominantly represented as an innovator and entrepreneurial leader rather than being primarily associated with the legal allegations. From the perspective of Fairclough’s social practice framework, the discourse appears to reflect values related to innovation, entrepreneurial leadership, legal certainty, and technological development. Overall, this study demonstrates how evaluative language contributes to the construction of meaning and representation within contemporary digital media discourse.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

seltics

Publisher

Subject

Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

Seltics journal contains articles that are taken from analytical-critical studies in the field of teaching English, literature, and linguistics. It can be in the form of research results or conceptual ideas. The research topic of interest include but are not limited to (1) Education in Learning ...