Peer Review Process

Aceh Anthropological Journal (AAJ) applies a rigorous double-blind peer review system to ensure the integrity, quality, and impartiality of the published research. The peer review process is designed to provide constructive feedback to authors while maintaining confidentiality and objectivity.

1. Initial Editorial Assessment

Upon manuscript submission, the editorial office conducts an initial screening to check for:

  • Compliance with the journal’s Focus and Scope

  • Originality and ethical compliance

  • Adherence to the submission guidelines (formatting, language quality, completeness)
    Manuscripts failing this preliminary check may be desk-rejected without external review.

2. Reviewer Selection

  • The Editor-in-Chief or Associate Editors assign each eligible manuscript to at least two independent expert reviewers with relevant expertise.

  • Reviewers are selected to avoid conflicts of interest with the authors or the research content.

  • Reviewers remain anonymous to the authors (and vice versa) throughout the process.

3. Review Criteria

Reviewers evaluate the manuscript based on:

  • Originality and novelty of the research

  • Relevance and contribution to the field of Anthropology, especially Indonesian and Acehnese contexts

  • Clarity and coherence of writing and structure

  • Soundness and appropriateness of research methodology

  • Validity and significance of results and findings

  • Adequacy of literature review and theoretical grounding

  • Ethical standards observed in data collection and analysis

4. Reviewer Reports

  • Reviewers submit detailed evaluations, including comments for authors and confidential recommendations to the editors (accept, minor revision, major revision, reject).

  • Constructive criticism and clear suggestions for improvement are encouraged to assist authors in enhancing their manuscripts.

5. Editorial Decision

  • Based on the reviewers’ reports and recommendations, the editorial team makes a final decision:

    • Accept without revision (rare)

    • Minor revision – authors address specific, relatively minor points

    • Major revision – substantial changes required, manuscript re-reviewed

    • Reject – manuscript does not meet journal standards or scope

  • Authors receive anonymized reviewer comments and editorial decisions via the OJS platform.

6. Revision and Resubmission

  • Authors are expected to respond thoroughly to reviewer comments in a revision letter, explaining how each point was addressed.

  • Revised manuscripts are submitted back through the OJS system and may undergo additional rounds of review if necessary.

7. Final Acceptance and Publication

  • Once revisions satisfy reviewers and editors, the manuscript is accepted for publication.

  • Accepted manuscripts proceed to copyediting, formatting, and online publication according to the journal’s schedule.

AAJ is committed to transparency and fairness throughout the peer review process, ensuring that all published articles meet the highest academic and ethical standards.