Journal: Jurnal Agrium (Journal of Agricultural Research)
Last updated: 25 October 2025
Contact: agrium@unimal.ac.id

1. Purpose and Scope

This policy sets clear expectations and procedures when authors do not respond to editorial communications in a timely manner. It applies to all submissions handled by the Journal, from initial screening and peer review to acceptance, proofing, and post-acceptance steps. It supports ethical, efficient workflows, protects reviewer and editor time, and preserves the integrity of the scholarly record.

2. Definitions

• Inactivity: Failure to take the required action (e.g., submit revision, upload files, return proofs) within the stated timeframe.
• Non-responsiveness: No reply to Journal communications after reasonable reminders within the stated timeframe.
• Business days: Calendar days unless otherwise specified in an editorial message or decision letter.

3. Communication Channels and Responsibility

• The Journal communicates via the submission system and the corresponding author’s registered email. Secondary emails may be copied as needed.
• The corresponding author is responsible for monitoring communications, coordinating co-authors, and ensuring timely responses.
• Authors must keep contact details current and whitelist Journal emails.

4. Standard Response Timelines

The Journal may specify different deadlines in decision letters. Unless otherwise stated, the following standards apply:

Stage / Action	Expected Response / Deadline
Editorial queries (minor clarifications, admin fixes)	7 days
Reviewer invitation to revise (Minor Revision)	14 days to respond; 21–30 days to submit revision
Reviewer invitation to revise (Major Revision)	14 days to respond; 45–60 days to submit revision
Ethics/data/competing-interest clarification	7–14 days (urgent queries may require 72 hours)
Author proofs (post-acceptance)	3–5 days to return corrected proofs

5. Escalation Path and Reminders

1. Initial instruction / decision letter: Deadline stated with required actions.
2. First reminder: Sent after missed deadline or 7 days of silence.
3. Second reminder: Sent 7 days after the first reminder; co-authors may be copied.
4. Final notice: Sent 7 days after the second reminder, indicating potential editorial action (administrative rejection, editorial withdrawal, or de-queuing from production).

6. Verification of Contact and Technical Issues

• The Journal may attempt alternative contact (secondary email, ORCID, institution) and request co-author assistance.
• Basic technical checks (e.g., mailbox full, bounce backs, system logs) are performed before a final decision.
• If a systemic issue is identified, a fresh deadline will be granted.

7. Editorial Outcomes

• Before peer review: If authors are inactive, the submission may be closed without review; authors may resubmit when ready.
• During peer review: Administrative rejection or editorial withdrawal may occur if authors do not respond, to protect reviewer and editor time.
• Revision invited: If no response by the final notice date, the revision invitation may lapse and the submission be closed.
• Accepted, pre-publication: If authors do not complete required steps (licenses, proofs, metadata), the article may be de-queued from continuous publication and, in persistent cases, acceptance may be rescinded.

8. Proofs and Production

• To maintain schedule integrity, if proofs are not returned within 3–5 days, the Journal may proceed with essential editorial corrections only or reschedule publication.
• Substantive content changes requested after the proof deadline may be deferred or declined.

9. Exceptions and Extenuating Circumstances

• Medical emergencies, natural disasters, or institutional closures may justify deadline extensions.
• Authors should notify the Journal as soon as possible and propose a realistic new date.

10. Co-authors and Corresponding Author Changes

• If the corresponding author is non-responsive, the Journal may contact all co-authors and invite a change of corresponding author with written consent from the author group.
• Authorship changes must follow the Journal’s authorship and ethics policies, with documented approval from all authors.

11. Sanctions for Repeated Non-Responsiveness

• In cases of repeated non-responsiveness that cause significant editorial burden, the Journal may apply administrative measures (e.g., a submission moratorium of up to 12 months for the corresponding author or author group).
• Any sanction is communicated in writing with reasons and duration.

12. Appeals

Authors may appeal closure, withdrawal, or sanctions by emailing the Editor-in-Chief with a reasoned explanation and any supporting evidence. An editor not previously involved will review the appeal. The Journal’s decision will be final for the publication record.

13. Record-Keeping and Transparency

• All communications, reminders, and decisions are recorded in the submission system.
• For accepted articles removed from the queue, internal notes document the reason and steps taken.