THE POLITENESS STRATEGIES BETWEEN OFFICERS AND APPLICANTS OF PASSPORT APPLICATION PROCESS IN TPI IMMIGRATION OFFICE CIREBON

Abstract

This research investigates politeness strategies employed in interactions between officers and applicants during the passport application process at the Class I Immigration Office TPI Cirebon. The study adopts Brown and Levinson’s (1987) politeness theory, focusing on bald on record, positive politeness, negative politeness, and off record strategies. A descriptive qualitative method was applied, with data collected from ten recorded 
conversations, transcribed and analyzed according to pragmatic and sociological variables (social distance, relative power, and rank of imposition). The results indicate that bald on record (51%) and positive politeness (47%) are the dominant strategies, while negative politeness appears rarely (2%) and no off record strategies are found. Officers 
often employ bald on record to ensure clarity and efficiency, whereas positive politeness is used to reduce social distance and maintain harmonious relations. Rank of imposition is the most influential sociological factor, followed by social distance and relative power. 
These findings highlight how politeness in institutional service contexts balances administrative efficiency with social harmony.