Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) has officially inaugurated Prof. Dr. B. Wahyudi Joko Santoso, M.Hum., as Professor of Critical Discourse Analysis at the Faculty of Languages and Arts (FBS) on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
The inauguration took place during an Open Senate Academic Session of UNNES. On the occasion, Prof. Wahyudi delivered his inaugural speech titled “Building Critical Literacy of Political Discourse to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
In his address, he emphasized that sustainable development cannot be separated from the political discourses that frame it. According to him, Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) is an essential tool for examining the relationships between language, power, and ideology embedded in public policy.
“From the perspective of Critical Discourse Analysis, sustainable development cannot be detached from the political discourse that shapes it,” he stated.
Referring to Norman Fairclough’s framework, Prof. Wahyudi explained that discourse analysis encompasses three interconnected dimensions: textual analysis, discursive practice, and social practice. He further noted that the works of Theo van Leeuwen and Michel Foucault enrich this approach through the concepts of interdiscursivity and the power–knowledge relationship.
Prof. Wahyudi emphasized that critical literacy is a crucial prerequisite for ensuring the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are implemented fairly and inclusively. He also highlighted that democratic dynamics and public trust in government are constructed through discourse laden with ideology and power relations.
A Longstanding Commitment to Linguistics and Discourse Studies
Prof. Wahyudi’s academic trajectory reflects his long-standing commitment to linguistics and discourse analysis. He earned both his master’s and doctoral degrees in linguistics (discourse analysis) from Universitas Gadjah Mada.
Throughout his academic career, he has taught a wide range of linguistics courses, including Critical Discourse Analysis, Forensic Linguistics, and Ecolinguistics. His research leadership spans studies on discourse analysis, speech acts, and digital discourse, demonstrating sustained engagement with contemporary linguistic issues.
Strengthening UNNES’ Academic Reputation
UNNES Rector Prof. Dr. S. Martono, M.Si., expressed his appreciation for the achievement, describing the inauguration as a significant milestone in strengthening the university’s research capacity and academic standing.
“The conferment of a professorship is not merely a personal achievement but also an institutional advancement. Expertise in Critical Discourse Analysis is highly relevant in addressing today’s social, political, and cultural challenges in the global era,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Acting Dean of FBS UNNES, Prof. Dr. Nur Qudus, M.T., IPM, stated that the inauguration marks a strategic moment for the faculty to reinforce its academic tradition and international publications further.
“Critical Discourse Analysis contributes substantially to understanding the dynamics of modern society. We hope that Prof. Wahyudi’s professorship will further strengthen our research culture, international collaboration, and overall academic excellence within FBS,” he remarked.
He added that the addition of a new professor also contributes directly to improving the university’s key performance indicators and enhancing UNNES’ global reputation, including in international rankings.
In closing his speech, Prof. Wahyudi expressed gratitude for the honor and acknowledged that the title of professor carries a profound responsibility to continue contributing to the advancement of knowledge.
The inauguration reaffirms UNNES’ commitment as a higher education institution dedicated to advancing critical, research-based scholarship that responds meaningfully to societal needs.
