Publication Ethics and Misconducts

Suluh: Journal of Community Service is a peer-reviewed journal. This statement outlines the ethical standards for all parties involved in the publication process, including authors, the editor-in-chief, editorial board members, peer reviewers, and the publisher (Lembaga Penelitian dan Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat, Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Al-Qur’an As-Syifa, Subang, Indonesia).

This publication ethics statement is based on the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) Best Practice Guidelines for Journal Editors and is intended to ensure the quality, integrity, and credibility of published community service articles.

Ethical Guidelines for Journal Publication

The publication of articles in Suluh: Journal of Community Service plays an important role in the dissemination of knowledge, best practices, and innovations in community engagement and empowerment. Published articles reflect the quality of the community service activities conducted by authors and supported by their institutions.

Therefore, all parties involved in the publication process—authors, editors, reviewers, and the publisher—are expected to adhere to the highest standards of ethical behavior to ensure transparency, accountability, and academic integrity.

The publisher is fully committed to safeguarding all stages of the publication process and ensuring that editorial decisions are not influenced by advertising, sponsorship, or other commercial interests.

Allegations of Misconduct

Misconduct includes, but is not limited to, fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, citation manipulation, and misrepresentation of community service activities, whether during manuscript preparation, review, or publication.

Editors are responsible for maintaining the integrity of the academic record. In cases of suspected misconduct, the Editors and Editorial Board will follow COPE procedures to investigate the allegation fairly and transparently.

• Manuscripts containing proven misconduct will be rejected.

• If misconduct is discovered after publication, the journal may issue a correction, expression of concern, or retraction, which will be clearly linked to the original article.

Investigation Procedure

The initial step involves assessing the validity of the allegation and determining whether it meets the definition of misconduct. Any potential conflicts of interest related to the allegation will also be considered.

If misconduct is suspected, the corresponding author will be asked to provide a detailed explanation on behalf of all co-authors. When necessary, additional expert reviews may be conducted. If the issue does not constitute misconduct, clarifications or corrections may be published.

Authors, journals, and affiliated institutions share responsibility for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of published community service reports.

Publication Decisions

The Editor-in-Chief of Suluh: Journal of Community Service is responsible for deciding which manuscripts are accepted for publication. Decisions are based on the quality, relevance, originality, and impact of the community service activities, as well as compliance with the journal’s focus and scope.

Legal considerations related to defamation, copyright infringement, and plagiarism are also taken into account. Editors may consult reviewers or editorial board members when making publication decisions.

Complaints and Appeals

Suluh: Journal of Community Service provides a clear mechanism for handling complaints and appeals related to editorial processes, peer review, citation manipulation, or ethical concerns. All complaints will be handled in accordance with COPE guidelines.

Complaints and appeals should be submitted in writing to:

Editor Contact
Khoirul Muhtadin
Email: khoirulmuhtadin@stiq.assyifa.ac.id

Fair Play

Editors evaluate manuscripts solely on their academic merit and relevance to community service, without discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, citizenship, or political views.

Confidentiality

Editors and editorial staff must not disclose any information about a submitted manuscript to anyone other than the corresponding author, reviewers, editorial advisors, or the publisher, as appropriate.

Disclosure and Conflicts of Interest

Unpublished materials disclosed in a submitted manuscript must not be used by editors or reviewers for personal research or advantage without the author’s written consent.

Duties of Reviewers

Contribution to Editorial Decisions

Peer review supports editors in making publication decisions and helps authors improve the quality of their manuscripts.

Promptness

Reviewers who feel unqualified or unable to complete a review promptly should notify the editor and withdraw from the review process.

Confidentiality

Manuscripts under review must be treated as confidential documents.

Objectivity

Reviews must be conducted objectively and constructively. Personal criticism of authors is inappropriate.

Acknowledgment of Sources

Reviewers should identify relevant works not cited by the authors and report any suspected plagiarism or overlap.

Disclosure and Conflict of Interest

Reviewers must not review manuscripts in which they have conflicts of interest.

Duties of Authors

Reporting Standards

Authors must present an accurate, honest, and transparent account of the community service activities conducted, including objectives, methods, outcomes, and impacts.

Data Access and Retention

Authors should be prepared to provide supporting data or documentation related to the community service activities, if requested.

Originality and Plagiarism

Manuscripts must be original, and all sources must be properly cited.

Multiple or Concurrent Submissions

Submitting the same manuscript to more than one journal simultaneously is unethical and unacceptable.

Authorship

Authorship should be limited to individuals who made significant contributions to the planning, implementation, or evaluation of the community service activity.

Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest

Authors must disclose any financial or non-financial conflicts of interest that may influence the manuscript.

Fundamental Errors

If a significant error is discovered after publication, authors must notify the editor promptly and cooperate in correcting or retracting the article.

Manuscript Withdrawal

Authors may request manuscript withdrawal by submitting a formal request via email to the Editor. However, manuscripts that have entered the peer-review stage cannot be withdrawn. Unauthorized withdrawal at this stage may result in restrictions on future submissions.

Ethical Oversight

If community service activities involve human participants, vulnerable groups, confidential data, or potential risks, authors must ensure ethical compliance and obtain necessary permissions. Confidential or sensitive information must be handled responsibly and securely.