Plagiarism And Retraction Policy

Similarity Screening, Plagiarism, and Retraction Policy

Similarity Screening

Every submitted manuscript is screened by an editor before external review using the institution's similarity-detection software. A similarity result below 20 percent is normally required. The percentage is not used as an automatic decision: editors examine the report and exclude references, correctly quoted text, standard methodological language, and other legitimate overlap. Manuscripts showing unattributed copying, duplicate publication, data fabrication or falsification, citation manipulation, or other serious integrity concerns may be rejected regardless of the percentage.

Suspected Plagiarism Before Publication

When potential plagiarism or redundant publication is identified, the editor documents the evidence and asks the corresponding author for an explanation. The editorial team evaluates the extent, context, attribution, and effect on the reliability and originality of the work. Minor citation problems may require correction before review. Substantial plagiarism, duplicate submission, fabricated or falsified material, or an inadequate response will result in rejection. The journal may notify the authors' institution or another journal when warranted and will follow relevant COPE flowcharts.

Post-Publication Concerns

Readers, authors, and institutions may report a concern to jak@unimal.ac.id with the article title, DOI, evidence, and a clear description of the issue. The journal will conduct an initial assessment, seek clarification from the authors, consult reviewers or institutions when appropriate, preserve confidentiality, and keep a documented record of the decision. Good-faith complainants and respondents will be treated fairly.

Corrections

A correction, erratum, or corrigendum will be published when an error affects part of an article or its metadata but does not invalidate the main findings. The notice will identify the original article and DOI, explain the change and responsibility for it, and be linked in both directions with the article. Relevant OJS and Crossref metadata will be updated.

Expression of Concern

An expression of concern may be published when credible evidence raises serious doubt about an article but an investigation is incomplete, inconclusive, or delayed. It will be replaced or updated when a final outcome is available.

Retraction

An article will be retracted when findings are unreliable because of major error or misconduct, when substantial plagiarism or redundant publication is confirmed, when peer review has been manipulated, or when unethical research makes the work invalid. The article remains accessible with a prominent RETRACTED label. A separate, freely accessible retraction notice will state the reason and who initiated the retraction, cite and link to the article and DOI, and avoid defamatory or unsupported claims. Metadata and the Crossref record will be updated.

Withdrawal and Removal

Withdrawal applies only before formal publication and only in exceptional circumstances. A published article will not be deleted merely to conceal an error or dispute. Removal after publication is reserved for exceptional legal, privacy, or serious safety requirements; a tombstone page and bibliographic metadata will be retained whenever legally possible.

Appeals

An author may appeal an integrity decision by submitting specific evidence of a factual or procedural error to jak@unimal.ac.id. The appeal will be reviewed by an editor or publisher representative who was not directly involved in the disputed decision. Submission of an appeal does not guarantee reversal.