Editorial Policies

Focus and Scope

Indonesian Journal of Education and Mathematical Science (IJEMS) promotes research in the fields of Education, mathematics and science. Contributions are expected from scientists, educators, early researchers, senior researchers, research administrators and students at an advanced stage, to be published in the Indonesian Journal of Education and Mathematical Science (IJEMS), a rigorous review process will be carried out. The editorial content and elements published by the journal include:

Theoretical Articles
Case Study
Action Research
Literature Review
Innovative Works

The Editors warmly welcome the manuscripts sent to IJEMS. The Scope of this Journal is:

General Education
Mathematics Education
Religious Education
Applied Mathematics
Social Society
Computer Engineering
Science and Technology
Community Service

Section Policies

Articles

Open Submissions

Indexed

Peer Reviewed

Full Paper

Open Submissions

Indexed

Peer Reviewed

Peer Review Process

Indonesian Journal of Education and Mathematical Science (IJEMS) accepts articles by going through a double blind peer review process The stages are as followsi:

The first stage:
The editor performs a preliminary plagiarism check by Turnitin. Manuscripts with a similarity of 20% and above will automatically be rejected. Meanwhile, manuscripts free of plagiarism or similarity below or equal to 20% will proceed to the research design examination stage. Manuscripts that present a good research design will be immediately preceded to the peer-review stage. On the other hand, manuscripts that do not present a good research design will be immediately rejected.

Second stage:
Editors distribute manuscripts to reviewers. Indonesian Journal of Education and Mathematical Science (IJEMS) uses Double-Blind Peer Review. Therefore, before submitting to reviewers, the editor removes the author's identity, such as name, email, and affiliation. Reviewers check the contents of the manuscript using the review form provided on the journal website through a special login for reviewers. They provide recommendations on the results of the manuscript to the editor in the type of decision, namely the manuscript is accepted, revised, or rejected which must be accompanied by reasons.

Third phase:
The editor sends the results of the reviewer's review to the author. If the manuscript must be revised, but the author does not revise and provide feedback, the manuscript will be rejected. On the other hand, if the manuscript is accepted, the authors must be willing to have their article proceed to the final proofreading stage. If the revised manuscript still contains major revisions, it will be returned to the reviewer; if it contains minor revisions, the editor will review and make a final decision. For every decision made, the author is entitled to a clear rationalization.

Open Access Policy

Indonesian Journal of Education and Mathematical Science (IJEMS) provides immediate open access to all published content.

This journal follows the DOAJ definition of open access:

All articles are freely available online immediately upon publication.
Users are allowed to read, download, copy, distribute, print, search, or link to the full text of articles, crawl them for indexing, pass them as data to software, or use them for any other lawful purpose.
No registration or subscription is required to access articles.

By applying an open license, this journal ensures that research is freely available and reusable, supporting a greater global exchange of knowledge.

Archiving

This journal utilizes the LOCKSS system to create a distributed archiving system among participating libraries and permits those libraries to create permanent archives of the journal for purposes of preservation and restoration. More...

Publication Ethics

Indonesian Journal of Education and Mathematical Science (IJEMS) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of publication ethics and academic integrity. The journal follows the principles and best practices established by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) in addressing ethical issues related to scholarly publishing, research integrity, and publication misconduct.

This policy applies to all parties involved in the publication process, including editors, editorial board members, peer reviewers, authors, and the journal's management. All parties are expected to uphold the principles of honesty, transparency, objectivity, accountability, and confidentiality throughout the editorial and publication process.

1. Ethical Responsibilities of Editors

Editors of IJEMS are responsible for overseeing the editorial process and ensuring that every manuscript is evaluated fairly, objectively, and in accordance with the journal's publication standards.

Editors are expected to:

Be responsible for the editorial content and the overall quality of manuscripts published in IJEMS.
Ensure that submitted manuscripts comply with the journal's author guidelines, editorial policies, and publication requirements.
Make publication decisions based on the manuscript's academic quality, originality, relevance, methodological soundness, and contribution to the fields of education and mathematical science.
Evaluate manuscripts objectively and without discrimination based on the authors' nationality, ethnicity, race, gender, religion, political affiliation, institutional affiliation, seniority, or other personal characteristics.
Consult with editorial board members, peer reviewers, and other relevant parties when necessary to reach informed publication decisions.
Ensure that the peer-review process is conducted fairly and confidentially, using a double-anonymous review system where applicable.
Provide authors with clear and constructive feedback, including relevant reviewer comments, while excluding comments that are personal, offensive, or defamatory.
Respect reasonable requests from authors to exclude particular reviewers when valid reasons are provided.
Decline to handle manuscripts when a conflict of interest exists and ensure that the manuscript is reassigned to an appropriate editor.
Maintain the confidentiality of submitted manuscripts and ensure that unpublished information is not used for personal or professional advantage.
Follow relevant COPE guidelines and flowcharts when addressing suspected research misconduct, authorship disputes, plagiarism, and other publication ethics concerns.
Take appropriate action when ethical concerns arise before or after publication.

2. Ethical Responsibilities of Peer Reviewers

Peer reviewers play an essential role in maintaining the academic quality and integrity of IJEMS. Their evaluations should assist editors in making publication decisions and help authors improve the quality of their manuscripts.

Peer reviewers are expected to:

Evaluate manuscripts objectively, fairly, and constructively, focusing on their academic merit, originality, methodological rigor, clarity, and relevance to the journal's scope.
Provide clear, evidence-based, and constructive comments that can help authors improve their manuscripts.
Identify relevant published works that have not been cited by the authors and notify the editor of any substantial similarity or overlap with previously published material.
Inform the editor of any suspected research misconduct, including plagiarism, data fabrication, data falsification, duplicate publication, or other ethical concerns.
Complete reviews within the agreed timeframe and promptly notify the editor if additional time is required or if they are unable to complete the review.
Maintain the confidentiality of all manuscripts and information obtained during the peer-review process.
Decline review assignments when they have a conflict of interest, including personal, professional, financial, academic, or collaborative relationships with the authors.
Refrain from using unpublished information, research findings, or ideas obtained through peer review for personal or professional benefit.
Avoid contacting authors directly regarding a manuscript under review unless explicitly authorized by the editor.
Treat manuscripts and all related review materials as confidential documents.

3. Ethical Responsibilities of Authors

Authors submitting manuscripts to IJEMS are responsible for ensuring that their work meets the journal's academic, technical, and ethical standards. Authors must demonstrate honesty, originality, transparency, and accountability throughout the submission, review, and publication processes.

Authors are expected to:

Submit original work that has not been previously published and is not under consideration by another journal or publication.
Ensure that all information, data, analyses, and findings presented in the manuscript are accurate and have not been fabricated or falsified.
Properly acknowledge and cite all sources, ideas, data, and materials used in the manuscript.
Avoid all forms of plagiarism, self-plagiarism, duplicate publication, redundant publication, and inappropriate text or data recycling.
Ensure that the manuscript complies with IJEMS author guidelines, formatting requirements, and relevant research ethics standards.
Ensure that all individuals listed as authors have made substantial scholarly contributions to the research and have approved the final version of the manuscript.
Disclose any relevant financial or non-financial conflicts of interest that could influence the research or its interpretation.
Provide access to relevant research data, documentation, or supporting materials when reasonably requested by the editor for the purpose of verifying the integrity of the research, subject to ethical, legal, and confidentiality restrictions.
Respond to reviewers' comments and editorial requests professionally, accurately, and within the specified timeframe.
Notify the editor promptly if a significant error or inaccuracy is discovered in a submitted or published manuscript and cooperate in the correction or retraction process, as appropriate.
Refrain from submitting the manuscript to another journal while it is undergoing the editorial and peer-review process at IJEMS.
Submit a formal withdrawal request with a clear explanation if withdrawal is necessary. A manuscript must not be considered withdrawn until the editor has acknowledged and confirmed the request. Authors must not withdraw a manuscript merely to avoid legitimate editorial scrutiny or an ongoing research integrity investigation.

4. Authorship Criteria and Contributions

IJEMS recognizes authorship as an acknowledgment of substantial intellectual contributions to scholarly work. Authorship must reflect actual contributions to the research and manuscript preparation.

To qualify for authorship, an individual should have made a substantial contribution to one or more of the following:

The conception or design of the research, or the acquisition, analysis, or interpretation of research data.
The drafting of the manuscript or its critical revision for important intellectual content.
The approval of the final version of the manuscript for publication.
Agreement to be accountable for all aspects of the research and to ensure that questions concerning the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.

All individuals who meet the authorship criteria should be listed as authors. Individuals who have contributed to the research but do not meet the authorship criteria should be acknowledged appropriately.

The corresponding author is responsible for ensuring that all authors have reviewed and approved the submitted manuscript, agreed to the author order, and consented to its submission to IJEMS.

Changes to authorship, including the addition, removal, or rearrangement of authors, must be requested in writing and supported by the agreement of all authors concerned. The editor may request further clarification before approving such changes.

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools and other automated technologies cannot be listed as authors because they cannot assume responsibility or accountability for scholarly work. Authors who use AI tools in preparing a manuscript must ensure the accuracy, originality, and integrity of the content and disclose the use of such tools when required by the journal's applicable policies. Authors remain fully responsible for all content submitted and published.

5. Allegations of Research Misconduct

IJEMS takes allegations of research and publication misconduct seriously. The journal is committed to investigating such concerns fairly, confidentially, and in accordance with established publication ethics principles and relevant COPE guidance.

Research and publication misconduct may include, but is not limited to:

Plagiarism: Using another person's ideas, words, data, or work without appropriate acknowledgment.
Self-plagiarism and text recycling: Reusing substantial portions of one's previously published work without appropriate disclosure or citation.
Data fabrication: Inventing research data, results, or findings that were not actually obtained.
Data falsification: Manipulating research materials, processes, data, or results in a way that misrepresents the research.
Duplicate or redundant publication: Publishing substantially similar research or findings in more than one publication without appropriate justification and disclosure.
Authorship misconduct: Inappropriate attribution of authorship, including guest authorship, ghost authorship, or the exclusion of individuals who meet authorship criteria.
Citation manipulation: Inappropriately adding citations to artificially increase citation counts or influence journal metrics.
Peer-review manipulation: Interfering with or attempting to manipulate the peer-review process, including providing false reviewer identities or fabricated reviewer information.
Undisclosed conflicts of interest: Failing to disclose relationships or interests that may influence the research or editorial process.
Other unethical research practices: Any action that compromises the accuracy, transparency, reliability, or integrity of scholarly research and publication.

5.1 Reporting Suspected Misconduct

Authors, reviewers, editors, readers, and other relevant parties may report suspected research or publication misconduct to the editorial team of IJEMS through the official communication channels provided on the journal's website.

Reports should include sufficient information and supporting evidence to allow the editorial team to assess the concern. All allegations will be handled confidentially, and the identity of the person reporting the concern will be protected where reasonably possible.

5.2 Investigation and Assessment

Upon receiving an allegation, the editor will conduct an initial assessment to determine whether the concern falls within the scope of the journal's publication ethics policy.

If further investigation is warranted, the editor may:

Request clarification, explanations, or supporting documentation from the authors or other relevant parties.
Examine the manuscript, research data, publication records, and other relevant evidence.
Consult with editorial board members or independent experts when necessary.
Contact the relevant research institution, employer, or other appropriate authority when the concern cannot be resolved through the journal's editorial process or when institutional investigation is necessary.

All parties involved will be given a reasonable opportunity to provide relevant information or explanations before an editorial decision is made, where appropriate.

5.3 Actions and Outcomes

Depending on the nature and seriousness of the misconduct, IJEMS may take one or more of the following actions:

Request clarification or correction from the authors.
Reject the manuscript if the misconduct is identified before publication.
Publish a correction or clarification if the article contains errors that do not invalidate its overall findings.
Issue an expression of concern if serious concerns remain unresolved while further investigation is conducted.
Retract a published article when the reliability or integrity of its findings is seriously compromised.
Notify the relevant institution or authority when necessary.
Restrict future submissions from individuals involved in serious or repeated publication misconduct, where justified and in accordance with applicable policies.

All actions will be proportionate to the nature of the concern and consistent with relevant publication ethics guidelines.

6. Conflict of Interest

A conflict of interest occurs when personal, professional, financial, academic, or other relationships may improperly influence, or appear to influence, the objectivity and integrity of research, peer review, editorial decisions, or publication.

Authors, editors, and peer reviewers must disclose any actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest relevant to a submitted manuscript.

6.1 Authors

Authors must disclose any financial or non-financial interests that could influence the research, its interpretation, or the presentation of findings. If no conflicts of interest exist, authors should provide an explicit statement confirming this.

6.2 Editors

Editors must not participate in editorial decisions concerning manuscripts in which they have a conflict of interest. Such manuscripts must be assigned to another qualified editor to ensure an impartial evaluation.

6.3 Peer Reviewers

Peer reviewers must disclose any relationships or circumstances that could affect their impartiality. Reviewers should decline an assignment if a conflict of interest may compromise their ability to provide an objective assessment.

IJEMS reserves the right to request additional disclosures or take appropriate measures when a conflict of interest is identified during or after the publication process.

7. Post-Publication Discussion Policy

IJEMS recognizes that scholarly discussion and critical evaluation are essential to the development of academic knowledge. The journal therefore provides an opportunity for readers and researchers to raise questions, comments, or concerns regarding articles that have already been published.

7.1 Scope of Post-Publication Discussion

Post-publication discussions may address:

The research methodology, data analysis, and interpretation of findings.
The theoretical framework, arguments, and conclusions presented in a published article.
The originality, academic contribution, and relevance of the research.
Potential errors, inconsistencies, or omissions in the published work.
Ethical concerns or suspected research misconduct related to a published article.

7.2 Submission of Comments and Concerns

Readers and researchers who wish to submit comments or concerns regarding a published article may contact the editorial team through the official communication channels provided on the IJEMS website.

Submissions should:

Clearly identify the published article being discussed.
Present specific, relevant, and evidence-based comments or concerns.
Maintain an academic, objective, and respectful tone.
Include supporting references or documentation where applicable.
Avoid personal attacks, defamatory statements, or unsupported allegations.

7.3 Editorial Assessment

All submissions will be evaluated by the editor to determine their academic relevance, validity, and suitability for publication or further investigation.

The editor may consult the original authors, editorial board members, or independent experts when necessary. Submissions that contain credible allegations of research or publication misconduct will be handled in accordance with Section 5 of this policy.

7.4 Right of Reply

When a post-publication comment or concern is considered suitable for further consideration, the original authors may be invited to provide a response.

The response must address the issues raised objectively and provide relevant evidence or clarification where necessary. The editor will assess both the submitted comments and the authors' response before deciding whether further editorial action is required.

7.5 Editorial Decisions

Following assessment, IJEMS may decide to:

Publish the comment and the authors' response as a scholarly discussion.
Request clarification or additional evidence from the parties involved.
Publish a correction or clarification if an error is confirmed.
Issue an expression of concern when significant issues require further investigation.
Retract the article when the reliability or integrity of its findings is seriously compromised.
Take no further action if the concerns are found to be unsupported or insufficiently substantiated.

Editorial decisions will be based on academic merit, available evidence, and publication ethics principles.

7.6 Editorial Independence

All post-publication discussions and related editorial decisions will be handled independently and objectively. The journal will not allow personal interests, institutional pressure, or external influence to compromise the integrity of the process.

8. Ownership and Management

Indonesian Journal of Education and Mathematical Science (IJEMS) operates under the management of its responsible publishing institution. The journal's ownership, publisher information, editorial structure, and management responsibilities are disclosed through the official journal website.

The journal's management is committed to maintaining editorial independence, transparent publication procedures, and responsible scholarly publishing practices.

The publisher and journal management are responsible for providing the necessary administrative and operational support to ensure the continuity and integrity of the journal's publication activities. Editorial decisions remain the responsibility of the editor and are based on academic quality, originality, relevance, and compliance with publication ethics.

9. Corrections, Expressions of Concern, and Retractions

IJEMS is committed to maintaining the accuracy and reliability of the scholarly record. When errors or ethical concerns are identified in published articles, the journal will take appropriate action in accordance with the seriousness and nature of the issue.

9.1 Corrections

A correction may be issued when an error is identified in a published article that requires amendment but does not invalidate the overall reliability of the research or its conclusions.

Corrections may address factual inaccuracies, typographical errors, author information, affiliations, references, or other relevant details. All corrections will be clearly identified and linked to the original article to maintain transparency.

9.2 Expressions of Concern

An expression of concern may be issued when credible questions arise regarding the integrity or reliability of a published article, but the available evidence is insufficient to justify immediate retraction or an investigation is still ongoing.

The expression of concern will inform readers of the issue and will remain associated with the published article until the matter is resolved.

9.3 Retractions

A published article may be retracted when there is clear evidence that its findings or conclusions are unreliable due to serious errors, research misconduct, or ethical violations.

Grounds for retraction may include:

Proven data fabrication or falsification.
Significant plagiarism or unauthorized use of another person's work.
Duplicate or redundant publication that substantially compromises the scholarly record.
Serious errors that invalidate the research findings or conclusions.
Unethical research practices or violations of applicable research ethics requirements.
Other circumstances in which the integrity or reliability of the published article is seriously compromised.

A retraction notice will clearly identify the retracted article, explain the reason for retraction, and distinguish the notice from the original publication. The original article will remain accessible where possible, with a clear retraction notice or watermark to preserve the integrity and transparency of the scholarly record.

9.4 Editorial Responsibility

The editor will assess each case individually and may consult authors, reviewers, research institutions, or other relevant parties before making a decision. All actions will be guided by COPE recommendations and established publication ethics principles.

10. Policy Implementation and Review

All editors, editorial board members, peer reviewers, authors, and other parties involved in the publication process are expected to comply with this Publication Ethics policy.

IJEMS reserves the right to revise or update this policy to reflect developments in scholarly publishing standards, research integrity practices, and recommendations issued by relevant publication ethics organizations.

Any revisions will be communicated through the official journal website. The journal remains committed to promoting responsible research practices, protecting the integrity of the scholarly record, and maintaining public trust in academic publishing.

Plagiarism Check

Before going to review process, all manuscripts will be checked that they are free from plagiarism practice (less than or equal to 20% similarities). If there an indication of plagiarism (higher than 20% similarities), the manuscript will instantly be rejected.

Author Fee

To improve the quality of the articles produced by the Indonesian Journal of Education and Mathematical Science (IJEMS), the journal charges the author fees as follows (Article Publication Fee)

Indonesian writer: Rp. 3.000,000 per article
International writers: 125 USD per article

Authors can apply for a waiver. But, it needs verification and should be applied before submission (not after receipt).

In the case of authors who unilaterally withdraw their article or cancel the publication of an article and who have subsequently paid the publication fee, the money will not be refunded.

Indexed

This Journal is Indexed by:

Indonesian Journal of Education and Mathematics Science

Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara
Kampus Utama
Jl. Kapten Muchtar Basri No.3, Glugur Darat II,Medan
Sumatera Utara-20238

E-mail: ijems@umsu.ac.id

Contact: 082276602171

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.