Publication Ethics and Editorial

PUBLICATION ETHICS AND EDITORIAL

A. GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF PUBLICATION ETHICS

1. Ethical Statement and Commitment

Jurnal Salingka Nagari is committed to maintaining high standards of publication ethics, academic integrity, transparency, and accountability throughout the scholarly publishing process. This statement outlines the ethical responsibilities of all parties involved in the publication of scholarly articles, including authors, editors, peer reviewers, and the publisher, Universitas Negeri Padang (UNP).

The journal's publication ethics are guided by the principles and recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), including its Core Practices, guidelines for journal editors, and principles of transparency and best practice in scholarly publishing.

These ethical standards apply to all stages of publication, from manuscript submission and peer review to editorial decision-making, publication, and post-publication activities.

2. Ethical Standards for Journal Publication

The publication of scholarly articles in a peer-reviewed journal is an essential contribution to the development and dissemination of reliable academic knowledge. Published research reflects the scholarly quality of the work conducted by authors and the institutions supporting their research.

Jurnal Salingka Nagari recognizes the importance of maintaining ethical standards in publishing research across social sciences, educational sciences, economics, business, applied research, community service, and other relevant disciplines within the journal's scope.

Universitas Negeri Padang (UNP), as the publisher of Jurnal Salingka Nagari, acknowledges its responsibility to safeguard the integrity of the publication process. The publisher and editorial board are committed to ensuring that advertising, commercial interests, financial considerations, or other external influences do not compromise editorial independence or publication decisions.

The publisher and editorial board may cooperate with other journals, publishers, academic institutions, and relevant organizations when necessary to address publication ethics concerns and maintain the integrity of the scholarly record.

B. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF EDITORS

3. Publication Decisions

The editors of Jurnal Salingka Nagari are responsible for determining which submitted manuscripts are suitable for publication. Editorial decisions must be based on scholarly quality, originality, methodological validity, relevance, and the potential contribution of the research to its respective field.

Editors must consider the journal's editorial policies and applicable legal requirements, particularly those relating to copyright infringement, plagiarism, defamation, and other publication ethics concerns.

In making editorial decisions, editors may consult members of the editorial board, qualified peer reviewers, or relevant subject-area experts when necessary.

4. Fair Play

Editors must evaluate submitted manuscripts solely on their scholarly and intellectual merit, without discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religious belief, ethnic origin, nationality, citizenship, political views, institutional affiliation, or other personal characteristics unrelated to academic quality.

All manuscripts must receive fair, impartial, and objective consideration in accordance with the journal's editorial standards.

5. Confidentiality

Editors and editorial staff must maintain the confidentiality of submitted manuscripts and all information associated with the editorial and peer review processes.

Information concerning a submitted manuscript must not be disclosed to anyone other than the corresponding author, assigned reviewers, potential reviewers, editorial advisers, or the publisher, where appropriate.

Confidential information obtained during the editorial process must not be used for personal or professional advantage.

6. Disclosure and Conflicts of Interest

Editors must not use unpublished materials, research data, or ideas contained in submitted manuscripts for their own research without the author's explicit written consent.

Editors must disclose any financial, professional, institutional, or personal relationships that could compromise their impartiality in handling a manuscript.

Editors with significant conflicts of interest must withdraw from the relevant editorial decision-making process, and the manuscript should be assigned to another qualified editor.

C. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF REVIEWERS

7. Contribution to Editorial Decisions

Peer review assists editors in making informed publication decisions and provides authors with constructive feedback to improve the scholarly quality, clarity, methodological rigor, and overall contribution of their manuscripts.

Reviewers are expected to conduct thorough, objective, and academically justified evaluations based on their expertise.

8. Promptness

Reviewers who consider themselves unqualified to evaluate an assigned manuscript or are unable to complete the review within the required timeframe must promptly inform the editor and decline the review invitation.

Reviewers are expected to respect the agreed review schedule and notify the editorial office if circumstances arise that may delay the review process.

9. Confidentiality

Manuscripts received for review must be treated as confidential documents.

Reviewers must not disclose, distribute, reproduce, or discuss the contents of submitted manuscripts with unauthorized individuals without prior permission from the editor.

The confidentiality obligation extends to all information and materials obtained during the peer review process.

10. Standards of Objectivity

Reviews must be conducted objectively, professionally, and constructively.

Personal criticism of authors is inappropriate and unacceptable. Reviewers should express their evaluations clearly and support their recommendations with relevant scholarly arguments and evidence.

Review comments should focus on the quality, validity, originality, and contribution of the research rather than personal judgments about the authors.

11. Acknowledgement of Sources

Reviewers should identify relevant published research that has not been appropriately acknowledged or cited by the authors.

Any claim that a particular observation, argument, finding, or research contribution has previously been published should be supported by an appropriate reference.

Reviewers must also inform the editor if they identify substantial similarities or overlaps between the manuscript under review and other published or submitted works of which they have knowledge.

12. Disclosure and Conflicts of Interest

Information and ideas obtained through peer review must remain confidential and must not be used for personal, academic, or professional advantage.

Reviewers must disclose any potential conflicts of interest arising from competitive, collaborative, institutional, financial, or personal relationships with the authors or organizations associated with the manuscript.

Reviewers with significant conflicts of interest should decline the review invitation and inform the editorial office accordingly.

D. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF AUTHORS

13. Reporting Standards

Authors of original research must present an accurate, transparent, and objective account of the research conducted and its scholarly significance.

Research data, methodology, analytical procedures, findings, and conclusions must be reported accurately and without deliberate distortion or misrepresentation.

Manuscripts should contain sufficient methodological details and relevant references to allow readers and other researchers to evaluate the research and, where appropriate, replicate its procedures.

Fabrication, falsification, misleading reporting, and knowingly inaccurate statements constitute unethical publishing practices and are strictly prohibited.

14. Data Access and Retention

Authors may be requested to provide supporting research data, documentation, or relevant materials for editorial evaluation when necessary.

Where appropriate and consistent with applicable ethical, legal, confidentiality, and data protection requirements, authors are encouraged to make research data accessible for verification and further scholarly investigation.

Authors are expected to retain relevant research data and supporting documentation for a reasonable period following publication.

15. Originality and Plagiarism

Authors must ensure that submitted manuscripts represent original scholarly work and have not been plagiarized from other sources.

When incorporating the ideas, findings, data, or words of other researchers, authors must provide appropriate citations, acknowledgements, and quotations in accordance with recognized academic standards.

Plagiarism, including unauthorized reproduction of text, ideas, data, or research findings, is strictly prohibited.

All submitted manuscripts may be subject to plagiarism screening in accordance with the journal's editorial procedures.

16. Multiple, Redundant, or Concurrent Publication

Authors must not submit the same manuscript to more than one journal simultaneously.

Publishing substantially identical research in multiple journals or other primary publications without appropriate disclosure, justification, or permission constitutes unethical publishing practice.

Authors must disclose any significant overlap between the submitted manuscript and previously published or concurrently submitted work.

17. Acknowledgement of Sources

Authors must appropriately acknowledge the contributions of other researchers and cite publications that have significantly influenced the conception, development, methodology, analysis, or interpretation of their research.

All references must be accurate, relevant, and presented in accordance with the journal's citation and referencing guidelines.

18. Authorship of the Paper

Authorship must be limited to individuals who have made significant intellectual contributions to the conception, design, execution, analysis, or interpretation of the reported research.

All individuals who meet the journal's authorship criteria should be appropriately recognized as co-authors.

Individuals who contributed to specific aspects of the research but do not meet the criteria for authorship should be acknowledged where appropriate.

The corresponding author is responsible for ensuring that all eligible co-authors are included, that no inappropriate authors are listed, and that all co-authors have reviewed and approved the final manuscript and agreed to its submission for publication.

19. Hazards and Human or Animal Subjects

Authors must clearly identify any unusual risks or hazards associated with the research methods, materials, procedures, or equipment used in their studies.

Research involving human participants or animals must comply with applicable ethical standards, institutional requirements, and relevant laws and regulations.

Where applicable, authors should provide information concerning ethical approval, informed consent, and measures undertaken to protect research participants.

20. Disclosure and Conflicts of Interest

Authors must disclose any financial, institutional, professional, or personal relationships that could reasonably be perceived as influencing the research process, findings, analysis, or interpretation.

All sources of financial support and relevant funding arrangements must be appropriately acknowledged in the manuscript.

21. Fundamental Errors in Published Works

When authors discover significant errors, inaccuracies, or ethical concerns relating to their published work, they must promptly notify the editorial office of Jurnal Salingka Nagari.

Authors are expected to cooperate with the editorial team in evaluating identified issues and, where necessary, implementing appropriate corrective actions.

Such actions may include the publication of corrections, expressions of concern, or retractions in accordance with the journal's Corrections and Retractions Policy (Section F).

E. POST-PUBLICATION DISCUSSION POLICY

Jurnal Salingka Nagari recognizes that scholarly discussion and critical evaluation may continue after an article has been published. Constructive criticism, academic responses, and alternative perspectives contribute to the advancement of knowledge, strengthen research quality, and support the continuous improvement of the scholarly record.

The journal encourages readers, researchers, and members of the academic community to engage in responsible post-publication discussions concerning articles published in Jurnal Salingka Nagari.

This policy establishes the purposes, communication channels, submission requirements, and editorial procedures for managing scholarly discussions following publication.

22. Purpose

Post-publication discussion aims to provide opportunities for readers and researchers to:

• Present constructive comments, scholarly criticism, or alternative interpretations of published articles.

• Identify potential errors in research data, methodology, analysis, citations, interpretation, or conclusions.

• Provide additional evidence, recent research findings, or relevant developments that may enhance the understanding of previously published studies.

• Encourage academic dialogue across the disciplines covered by Jurnal Salingka Nagari.

• Raise legitimate concerns regarding research integrity, publication ethics, or the reliability of published findings.

23. Channels for Discussion

Jurnal Salingka Nagari facilitates post-publication discussion through the following channels:

a. Letter to the Editor

Readers may submit written comments, critiques, or responses concerning published articles to the editorial office through the journal's official contact email.

The subject line should follow this format:

"Post-Publication Discussion: [Article Title]"

Letters to the Editor are intended to provide concise and evidence-based academic commentary on specific articles published in the journal.

b. Response Article

Researchers who wish to present a more comprehensive scholarly response may submit a response article through the journal's online submission system:

https://jsn.ppj.unp.ac.id/index.php/jsn/about/submissions

Such manuscripts will undergo editorial assessment and, where appropriate, peer review in accordance with the journal's established publication procedures.

c. External Academic Platforms

Academic discussions may also occur through recognized scholarly platforms, academic networks, or other appropriate academic forums.

The editorial team may consider significant concerns raised through these platforms when they relate to the accuracy, validity, or integrity of articles published in Jurnal Salingka Nagari.

24. Requirements for Letters to the Editor

Letters submitted for post-publication discussion should meet the following requirements:

• Clearly identify the article being discussed, including its title, author(s), publication year, and DOI or article URL.

• Be submitted within 12 months of the article's publication, except when the discussion concerns serious research integrity or publication ethics issues.

• Contain no more than 1,500 words, including references.

• Be written in English or Bahasa Indonesia using clear, formal, and academically appropriate language.

• Focus on substantive scholarly matters and provide relevant arguments, supporting evidence, or references.

• Maintain a respectful and professional tone without personal attacks, discriminatory statements, or defamatory language.

• Include the writer's full name, institutional affiliation, email address, and disclosure of any potential conflicts of interest.

The editorial team reserves the right to decline letters that do not meet these requirements or fall outside the journal's scholarly scope.

25. Handling Procedure

a. Initial Editorial Assessment

The Editor-in-Chief or a designated editor evaluates each submitted letter to determine its relevance, scholarly significance, clarity, and compliance with the journal's editorial and ethical policies.

Letters containing unsupported allegations, inappropriate language, or irrelevant content may be declined.

b. Author's Right of Reply

When a letter is considered suitable for further discussion, the editorial team forwards it to the author(s) of the original article.

The author(s) are given an opportunity to provide a written response within 30 days of receiving the notification.

c. Editorial Evaluation and Decision

The editorial team evaluates the submitted letter and any response provided by the original author(s).

Independent reviewers or relevant subject-area experts may be consulted when necessary to ensure a fair and objective assessment.

The editors determine whether the letter and corresponding author response are suitable for publication.

Editorial revisions may be requested to improve clarity, accuracy, and scholarly quality.

d. Publication and Accessibility

Approved letters and author responses may be published on the journal's website and linked to the original article wherever technically feasible.

The journal seeks to maintain a transparent and accessible record of scholarly discussions associated with its published research.

26. Possible Outcomes of Post-Publication Discussion

Depending on the nature and significance of the issues raised, post-publication discussion may result in the following outcomes:

a. No Further Action

When the discussion reflects legitimate differences in scholarly interpretation, theoretical perspectives, or academic opinions without identifying substantive errors, no corrective action may be required.

b. Publication of Discussion and Response

The journal may publish the submitted letter and the original author's response when the discussion provides meaningful scholarly contributions, clarifications, or alternative perspectives.

c. Referral for Editorial Investigation

When a discussion identifies potential errors affecting the reliability of published findings or raises credible concerns regarding publication ethics, the matter may be referred for further editorial assessment or investigation.

Any formal corrections, expressions of concern, or retractions resulting from such investigations will be handled in accordance with the journal's Corrections and Retractions Policy (Section F).

27. Guiding Principles of Post-Publication Discussion

Jurnal Salingka Nagari is committed to managing post-publication discussions fairly, transparently, objectively, and responsibly.

All submitted comments and responses must be evaluated based on their scholarly merit, regardless of the contributors' institutional affiliations, academic positions, or professional backgrounds.

The journal respects academic freedom and encourages constructive scholarly debate while maintaining professional standards of communication.

Personal attacks, abusive language, discrimination, and defamatory statements are not tolerated.

Editorial decisions concerning post-publication discussions are guided by the principles and recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

F. CORRECTIONS AND RETRACTIONS POLICY

Jurnal Salingka Nagari is committed to maintaining the accuracy, transparency, reliability, and integrity of the scholarly record. The journal recognizes that errors or concerns regarding published articles may be identified after publication and is committed to addressing such matters through appropriate editorial procedures.

Corrections, expressions of concern, and retractions are managed in accordance with the principles and recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

These procedures aim to ensure that readers have access to accurate scholarly information while maintaining fairness toward authors and other parties involved.

28. Corrections (Erratum and Corrigendum)

Jurnal Salingka Nagari may issue a correction when an error is identified in a published article that requires clarification or amendment but does not substantially undermine the reliability of the research findings or conclusions.

Corrections may be considered in the following circumstances:

• Errors in research data, calculations, tables, figures, or statistical reporting that do not invalidate the main findings.

• Inaccuracies in citations, references, author information, or other publication details.

• Errors in methodological descriptions or interpretation that require clarification without fundamentally changing the research conclusions.

• Other unintentional mistakes that may affect readers' understanding of the published article.

Corrections may be classified as follows:

a. Erratum

An erratum generally refers to a correction of an error introduced during the journal's editorial or production process.

b. Corrigendum

A corrigendum generally refers to a correction of an error originating from the author(s) of the published article.

The editorial team will evaluate the significance of the identified error and determine whether a formal correction notice is necessary.

When a correction is issued, the notice will clearly identify the original article, explain the nature of the error, and describe the correction made.

The correction notice will be linked to the original article wherever technically feasible.

29. Retractions

Jurnal Salingka Nagari may retract a published article when sufficient evidence demonstrates that its findings, conclusions, or publication integrity are seriously compromised.

Retraction may be considered under the following circumstances:

• Reliable evidence indicates that the research findings are substantially unreliable because of major errors, data fabrication, falsification, or other serious problems.

• The article contains plagiarism or substantial unattributed reproduction of previously published work.

• The article represents redundant or duplicate publication without appropriate disclosure, permission, or justification.

• The research involves serious violations of ethical standards, including the inappropriate use of research data or failure to comply with applicable ethical requirements.

• The article infringes copyright or involves serious legal or ethical concerns.

• The peer review or publication process has been substantially compromised or manipulated.

• Undisclosed conflicts of interest have seriously affected the reliability or interpretation of the published research.

Retraction is intended to correct the scholarly record and inform readers that the affected article should no longer be considered reliable. It is not intended as a punishment for the author(s).

Retraction decisions are made by the Editor-in-Chief or the appropriate independent editorial authority, based on available evidence, relevant ethical considerations, and applicable COPE guidelines.

30. Expressions of Concern

Jurnal Salingka Nagari may issue an expression of concern when serious questions arise regarding the reliability or integrity of a published article but the available evidence is insufficient to justify a retraction or other definitive editorial action.

An expression of concern may be issued when:

• An investigation into potential research misconduct or significant publication errors is ongoing.

• Available evidence raises substantial concerns but remains inconclusive.

• An institutional investigation is delayed or cannot provide a timely conclusion.

• Conflicting information prevents the editorial team from reaching a definitive decision.

An expression of concern must clearly identify the article concerned and explain the nature of the unresolved issues.

Following further investigation, the expression of concern may be updated or followed by a correction, retraction, or editorial statement indicating that no further action is necessary.

31. Procedures for Corrections and Retractions

Jurnal Salingka Nagari follows a fair, objective, and transparent editorial process when evaluating possible corrections, expressions of concern, or retractions.

a. Identification and Reporting

Potential errors or publication ethics concerns may be reported by authors, readers, reviewers, editors, academic institutions, or other relevant parties.

Reports should identify the published article and provide a clear explanation of the concern, supported by relevant evidence whenever possible.

b. Initial Editorial Assessment

The Editor-in-Chief or a designated editor conducts an initial assessment to determine the nature, seriousness, and credibility of the reported issue.

The editorial team may request additional information, supporting documents, research data, or clarification from the individuals involved.

c. Author Notification and Response

When appropriate, the editorial team informs the corresponding author and relevant co-authors of the concerns raised.

Authors are given a reasonable opportunity to provide explanations, supporting evidence, or other relevant information before a final editorial decision is made.

d. Investigation and Consultation

For complex or serious concerns, the editorial team may consult independent experts, relevant academic institutions, research ethics committees, or other appropriate authorities.

Investigations will be conducted objectively, with due consideration for confidentiality, fairness, and the rights of all parties involved.

Where credible evidence already establishes that a published article is seriously unreliable, the journal may proceed with appropriate corrective action without unnecessarily delaying its decision pending the conclusion of a separate institutional investigation.

e. Editorial Decision

Based on the available evidence and the findings of the editorial assessment or investigation, the editorial team may decide to:

• Take no further action when the concerns are not substantiated.

• Publish a correction when an identifiable error does not substantially invalidate the research findings.

• Issue an expression of concern when serious questions remain unresolved.

• Retract the article when its findings or publication integrity are seriously compromised.

f. Publication of Editorial Notices

Approved corrections, expressions of concern, and retractions will be communicated through clearly identified editorial notices published on the journal's website.

These notices will describe the reasons for the editorial action and will be linked to the affected article wherever technically feasible.

The journal will seek to publish editorial notices promptly after the relevant decision has been reached.

32. Retraction Notices and Article Accessibility

When an article is retracted, Jurnal Salingka Nagari will publish a formal retraction notice that:

• Clearly identifies the retracted article, including its title, author(s), publication information, and DOI or article URL.

• States the reasons for the retraction in objective, factual, and professional language.

• Identifies the party responsible for issuing the retraction.

• Is clearly labelled as a "Retraction" and distinguished from other editorial notices.

• Is made freely accessible to readers.

• Is linked to the original article wherever technically feasible.

Retracted articles will normally remain accessible as part of the scholarly record but will be clearly identified as retracted.

The journal will seek to ensure that the retracted status is visible on the article's landing page and associated publication files.

The journal will not routinely remove retracted articles from its publication archives. Complete removal may be considered only in exceptional circumstances involving serious legal concerns, privacy violations, or other situations requiring restrictions on public access.

Where removal is necessary, the journal will seek to maintain an appropriate public notice explaining the action, subject to applicable legal and ethical restrictions.

33. Responsibilities of Authors and Editors

a. Authors' Responsibilities

Authors are responsible for promptly informing the editorial office if they discover significant errors, inaccuracies, or ethical concerns relating to their published articles.

Authors must cooperate with editorial investigations and provide relevant information or supporting evidence when reasonably requested.

b. Editors' Responsibilities

Editors are responsible for assessing reported concerns objectively, maintaining appropriate confidentiality, and ensuring that corrective actions are proportionate to the seriousness of the identified issues.

Editorial decisions must be based on the reliability of the published work and the integrity of the scholarly record rather than personal, institutional, political, or commercial considerations.

When an editor has a significant conflict of interest concerning a reported case, the matter should be handled by another qualified and independent editor.

34. Transparency and Publication Integrity

Jurnal Salingka Nagari is committed to ensuring that all post-publication editorial actions are conducted transparently, consistently, fairly, and responsibly.

Corrections, expressions of concern, and retractions will be handled in accordance with applicable publication ethics standards and the recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

The journal recognizes that correcting the scholarly record is an essential aspect of responsible academic publishing.

The identification and correction of honest errors should therefore be treated as part of maintaining scientific integrity rather than automatically regarded as evidence of research misconduct.

Through this policy, Jurnal Salingka Nagari seeks to preserve the credibility of its published articles, promote accountability among authors and editors, and maintain the trust of readers, researchers, and the wider academic community.