Review Policy

Review Policy

Istifkar: Media Transformasi Pendidikan applies a double-blind peer review process to ensure the quality, objectivity, and academic integrity of published articles. In this process, the identities of authors and reviewers are kept confidential throughout the review process.

Initial Editorial Screening

All submitted manuscripts are initially screened by the editors to assess their conformity with the journal's focus and scope, author guidelines, manuscript structure, originality, and basic academic and ethical requirements. Manuscripts that do not meet these requirements may be returned to the authors for revision or rejected before entering the peer review process.

Double-Blind Peer Review

Manuscripts that pass the initial editorial screening are sent to at least two independent reviewers with relevant expertise in the subject area of the manuscript. The identities of both authors and reviewers are concealed from each other throughout the review process.

Reviewers evaluate manuscripts based on originality, relevance, theoretical foundation, research methodology, quality of analysis, clarity of presentation, and contribution to the field. Reviewers provide comments and recommendations through the journal's editorial system.

Review Period

The peer review process generally takes approximately 2–4 weeks from the date the manuscript is assigned to reviewers. The review period may vary depending on reviewer availability, manuscript complexity, and the need for additional evaluation or revision.

Reviewer Selection

Reviewers are selected based on their academic expertise, research experience, and relevance to the subject of the submitted manuscript. Editors seek to avoid assigning reviewers who have personal, professional, or financial relationships with the authors that could affect the objectivity of the review.

Confidentiality

The review process is confidential. Reviewers must not disclose, copy, use, or distribute the manuscript or information obtained during the review process without permission from the editor. Authors are not informed of the identities of the reviewers.

Conflict of Interest

Reviewers must disclose any potential conflict of interest that may affect their impartiality. If a conflict of interest exists, the reviewer should decline the review assignment and inform the editor.

Editorial Decision

The final publication decision is made by the editor based on the reviewers' recommendations, the quality of the manuscript, and the journal's editorial standards. The possible decisions include acceptance, minor revision, major revision, or rejection. The editor may request additional revisions or further review when necessary.

Revision and Resubmission

Authors whose manuscripts require revision must respond to the reviewers' comments and submit a revised manuscript within the period specified by the editor. Revised manuscripts may be returned to the original reviewers for further evaluation.

Review Ethics

Reviewers are expected to conduct their evaluations objectively, constructively, and professionally. Personal criticism of authors is not permitted. Reviewers should identify relevant published works that have not been cited by the authors and notify the editor of any suspected plagiarism, duplicate publication, data fabrication, falsification, or other forms of research and publication misconduct.