Publication Ethics

Publication Ethics and Malpractice Statement

The Indonesian Journal of Earth Sciences (Idn. J. Earth Sci.) is an international peer-reviewed electronic journal. This statement clarifies the ethical behavior of all parties involved in the publication process, including the editorial board, editors, authors, peer reviewers, and the publisher (MO.RI Publishing). This statement is based on COPE's best practice guidelines for journal editors.

Ethical Guidelines for Journal Publication

The publication of an article in a peer-reviewed journal is a vital part of developing a coherent and respected knowledge network. It directly reflects the quality of the work of the authors and the institutions that support them. Peer-reviewed articles support and embody the scientific method, making it crucial to establish ethical behavior standards for all parties involved in the publication process.

Responsibilities of the Publisher

MO.RI Publishing, as the publisher of the Indonesian Journal of Earth Sciences, takes its supervisory duties at all stages of publishing seriously and recognizes its ethical and other responsibilities. We are committed to ensuring that advertising, reprinting, or other commercial revenues do not influence editorial decisions. The publisher and the editorial board will communicate with other journals and publishers when necessary.

Ownership and Management

The Indonesian Journal of Earth Sciences (Idn. J. Earth Sci.; e-ISSN 2797-3549, p-ISSN 2798-1134) is owned and published by MO.RI Publishing, which operates under the legal entity CV. Mori Armada Publishing, Jl. Hasyim Tahir Griya Shafa Marwa Blok G6-7, Batang Kuis, Kab. Deli Serdang, Sumatera Utara, Indonesia. The journal is managed by an Editor in Chief and an international editorial board listed on the Editorial Team page. The publisher provides the publishing platform and administrative support, while editorial decisions are taken independently by the editors on the basis of peer review, without interference from the publisher, sponsors, or advertisers.

Publication Decisions

The editors of the Indonesian Journal of Earth Sciences are responsible for deciding which articles submitted to the journal should be published. Their decision is guided by the validation of the work in question, its importance to researchers and readers, and the journal's policies, while adhering to legal requirements regarding defamation, copyright infringement, and plagiarism. Editors may consult with other editors or reviewers in making their decisions.

1. Fair Play

Editors evaluate manuscripts solely on their intellectual content, regardless of the authors' race, gender, sexual orientation, religious belief, ethnic origin, citizenship, or political philosophy.

2. Confidentiality

The editorial team must not disclose any information about a submitted manuscript to anyone other than the corresponding author, reviewers, potential reviewers, other editorial advisers, and the publisher, as appropriate.

3. Disclosure and Conflicts of Interest

Unpublished materials disclosed in a submitted manuscript must not be used in an editor’s own research without the written consent of the author. Editors must recuse themselves from handling manuscripts in which they have conflicts of interest.

Duties of Reviewers

1. Contribution to Editorial Decisions

Peer review assists the editor in making editorial decisions and, through editorial communications, may help authors improve their manuscripts.

2. Promptness

Any selected referee who feels unqualified to review the research or knows that timely review is not possible should notify the editor and excuse themselves from the review process.

3. Confidentiality

Manuscripts received for review must be treated as confidential documents. They must not be shared or discussed with others unless authorized by the editor.

4. Objectivity

Reviews must be conducted objectively, with reviewers providing clear arguments to support their views without personal criticism of the author.

5. Acknowledgment of Sources

Reviewers should identify relevant published work that has not been cited by the authors. They should also notify the editor of any substantial similarity or overlap between the manuscript under review and any other published paper of which they have personal knowledge.

6. Disclosure and Conflicts of Interest

Reviewers must keep information or ideas obtained through peer review confidential and not use them for personal advantage. Reviewers should not consider manuscripts where they have conflicts of interest.

Duties of Authors

1. Reporting Standards

Authors of original research must present an accurate account of the work performed and an objective discussion of its significance. The manuscript should contain sufficient detail and references to permit others to replicate the work. Fraudulent or knowingly inaccurate statements are unethical and unacceptable.

2. Data Access and Retention

Authors should be prepared to provide raw data for editorial review and must be prepared to retain such data for a reasonable time after publication.

3. Originality and Plagiarism

Authors must ensure that their work is entirely original and that proper citations are provided where the work and/or words of others are used.

4. Multiple, Redundant, or Simultaneous Publication

Authors should not publish manuscripts describing essentially the same research in more than one journal. Submitting the same manuscript to more than one journal simultaneously is unethical and unacceptable.

5. Recognition of Sources

Proper acknowledgment of the work of others must always be given. Authors should cite publications that have been influential in determining the nature of the reported work.

6. Authorship

Authorship should be limited to those who have made a significant contribution to the research. All significant contributors should be listed as co-authors. The corresponding author must ensure that all co-authors have seen and approved the final version of the paper and have agreed to its submission for publication.

7. Disclosure and Conflicts of Interest

All authors must disclose any financial or other conflicts of interest in their manuscripts that could influence the results or interpretation of their work. All sources of financial support for the project should be disclosed.

8. Fundamental Errors in Published Works

When an author discovers a significant error or inaccuracy in their published work, it is their obligation to promptly notify the journal editor or publisher and cooperate to retract or correct the paper.

Use of Artificial Intelligence

The journal regulates the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and AI-assisted tools in writing, editing, and peer review. Authors and editors must disclose their use of AI according to their roles, reviewers must not use AI in the review of manuscripts or enter manuscripts into AI applications, and AI tools cannot be credited as authors or replace scientific judgement and editorial decisions. The use of AI does not remove the responsibility of authors and editors for the originality, confidentiality, and integrity of the article and for editorial decisions. Undisclosed use of AI, or fabricated content produced with AI, is treated as a breach of publication ethics and handled following COPE guidelines. The complete rules are set out in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy.

Allegations of Research Misconduct

Research misconduct includes fabrication of data or results, falsification (including image and data manipulation), plagiarism and self-plagiarism, duplicate or redundant publication, unethical authorship practices (ghost, guest, or gift authorship), undisclosed conflicts of interest, research conducted without the required ethical approval or consent, fabricated peer review or reviewer identities, and undeclared or deceptive use of artificial intelligence. Allegations may concern a submitted manuscript or a published article and may come from readers, reviewers, editors, authors, or institutions.

The journal handles allegations as follows, in line with COPE flowcharts:

1. The allegation is sent to the Editor in Chief through the Contact page, with supporting evidence. Anonymous allegations are considered only when they include verifiable evidence. The editorial office acknowledges receipt within 7 days.
2. The Editor in Chief makes an initial assessment of whether the allegation is credible and within the journal's remit. Any editor with a conflict of interest is excluded.
3. The investigation is confidential. The authors concerned are informed of the allegation and asked to respond in writing, normally within 14 days. The editors may consult the reviewers, independent experts, the authors' institution, or COPE.
4. The decision depends on the findings. Outcomes include no action, a request for clarification or additional data, a correction, an expression of concern, retraction of the article, rejection of a manuscript under review, and notification of the authors' institution, funder, or relevant authority.
5. Authors who are found to have committed serious misconduct may be barred from submitting to the journal for a period decided by the editors.
6. Authors and complainants may appeal a decision following the procedure under Handling Complaints and Appeals. Corrections and retractions follow the policy under Post-Publication Discussions and Corrections.

Handling Complaints and Appeals

The journal has a procedure for handling complaints and appeals. Authors, reviewers, or readers who have concerns can contact the editorial board, and a fair and timely resolution will be sought.

Ethical Oversight

The journal adheres to COPE’s guidelines to ensure ethical oversight in all aspects of publication. The editorial board is responsible for monitoring and addressing ethical issues.

Intellectual Property

The journal is committed to respecting intellectual property rights and ensuring that all published content is original and properly attributed.

Post-Publication Discussions and Corrections

The journal provides mechanisms for post-publication discussions and corrections. Authors and readers can engage in discussions through letters to the editor or other forums provided by the journal. Corrections and retractions will be made as necessary to maintain the integrity of the academic record.