Evaluating Sign Language Interpreters’ Competence in Presidential Debates: A Case Study of the 2024 Indonesian Presidential Debate

Abstract

The 2024 Indonesian Presidential Debate becomes a crucial means for Indonesian public to obtain political information. Therefore, this broadcast needs to be accessible to all citizens, including deaf audiences. However, presidential candidates often present ideas and arguments that contain technical terms and complex policy concepts. This can make it difficult for the general public to understand, especially deaf audiences, who often face challenges in accessing complex vocabulary compared to hearing audiences. In this context, sign language interpreters play a crucial role in bridging the communication between speakers and deaf audiences. Therefore, this study focuses on evaluating the competency of sign language interpreters involved in the 2024 Indonesian Presidential Debate broadcast to identify various competency aspects that support the implementation of interpreting tasks in the context of political debates. Therefore, this study used a qualitative approach to map the competency of sign language interpreters in the broadcast. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with interpreters, and the results were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify various competency aspects that play a role in the implementation of interpreting tasks in the context of political debates. The findings indicate that the interpreters have three competencies aspect such as linguistics, cultural and academics. Supported by appropriate psycho-physiological components, the sign language interpreters were able to adapt and simplify various terms and concepts used by the presidential candidates, making them more easily understood by deaf audiences.