Correction and Retraction Policy

1. Commitment to Accuracy and Publication Integrity

Kajian Pendidikan, Seni, Budaya, Sosial dan Lingkungan (KPSBSL) is committed to maintaining the accuracy, transparency, and integrity of the scholarly record. The journal recognizes that correcting the scholarly literature is an essential responsibility of ethical academic publishing.

When errors, inaccuracies, or concerns affecting a published article are identified, KPSBSL will assess the matter carefully and take appropriate action in accordance with recognized publication ethics principles and the journal's editorial policies.

Corrections, retractions, and other editorial notices will be handled fairly, transparently, and in a timely manner, with due consideration for the reliability of published findings and the interests of readers, authors, researchers, research participants, and the wider scholarly community.

This policy applies to all articles published in KPSBSL, including research articles, review articles, conceptual and theoretical papers, case studies, methodological articles, and other scholarly contributions within the journal's scope.

2. Corrections to Published Articles

A correction may be issued when an error is identified in a published article and a formal amendment is necessary to maintain the accuracy, clarity, or completeness of the scholarly record.

Errors that may warrant a correction include, but are not limited to:

Incorrect author names, affiliations, or author contribution statements.
Inaccurate acknowledgments, funding information, or conflict-of-interest declarations.
Incorrect references, citations, or bibliographic information.
Errors in tables, figures, photographs, illustrations, maps, or other visual materials.
Errors in data presentation, statistical reporting, or methodological descriptions that do not invalidate the principal findings.
Inaccurate descriptions of educational practices, cultural contexts, historical sources, social conditions, or environmental observations.
Other factual or editorial errors that could affect readers' understanding of the article.

Authors who identify an error in their published work are encouraged to notify the KPSBSL editorial office as soon as possible. Readers, reviewers, researchers, and other stakeholders may also report suspected errors by providing a clear explanation and supporting evidence, where available.

The editorial team will evaluate the nature and significance of the reported error and determine whether a formal correction is necessary. Where appropriate, the journal may consult the authors, reviewers, or independent subject-matter experts before reaching a decision.

An approved correction notice will identify the affected article, describe the nature of the error, and provide the necessary amendment. The correction will be linked to the original article whenever practicable to ensure that readers can identify and understand the changes.

Minor typographical or formatting errors that do not affect the meaning, interpretation, attribution, or reliability of an article may not require a formal correction notice. The decision will depend on the significance of the error and its potential impact on the scholarly record.

3. Retraction of Published Articles

Retraction is a formal mechanism for correcting the scholarly record when a published article is found to be unreliable or when serious ethical or publication concerns warrant its withdrawal from the accepted body of scholarly literature.

KPSBSL may consider retracting an article when credible evidence demonstrates substantial problems that undermine its validity, integrity, originality, or ethical acceptability.

Grounds for retraction may include, but are not limited to:

Fabrication or falsification: Evidence that research data, observations, interviews, statistical results, images, or other findings were invented, manipulated, or misrepresented.
Plagiarism: Substantial unattributed use of another person's words, ideas, data, arguments, artistic works, or other intellectual contributions.
Serious methodological errors: Fundamental problems in research design, methodology, analysis, or interpretation that invalidate the principal findings or conclusions.
Duplicate or redundant publication: Substantial overlap with previously published work that compromises the originality or integrity of the scholarly record.
Unauthorized use of materials: Serious infringement involving research data, photographs, illustrations, artworks, cultural materials, or other protected content.
Research ethics violations: Serious breaches of ethical requirements, including the absence of required ethical approval or informed consent where applicable.
Peer-review or publication manipulation: Manipulation of the peer-review process, reviewer identities, editorial procedures, or publication records.
Undisclosed conflicts of interest: Failure to disclose significant competing interests that materially compromise the credibility or interpretation of the research.
Authorship misconduct: Serious misrepresentation of authorship or contributions that undermines the integrity of the publication.
Misrepresentation of sources or evidence: Fabricated references, materially misleading citations, or deliberate misrepresentation of research findings.
Other serious ethical violations: Substantiated circumstances demonstrating that the article's findings, originality, or ethical basis cannot be relied upon.

In KPSBSL's interdisciplinary fields, particular attention may be given to the integrity of educational research involving human participants, the accurate representation of cultural and historical sources, the appropriate use of artistic works and traditional knowledge, and the reliability of social and environmental research data.

Retraction will not be used merely because authors disagree with one another, because findings are controversial, because subsequent research challenges an article's conclusions, or because an article has received criticism. Retraction decisions will be based on the available evidence, the seriousness of the concern, and the need to preserve the integrity of the scholarly record.

4. Procedure for Correction and Retraction

When a potential need for correction or retraction is identified, KPSBSL will conduct an appropriate editorial assessment. The process may include the following steps.

4.1 Receipt and Preliminary Assessment

The editorial team reviews the reported concern and determines whether further examination is warranted. The assessment may consider the nature of the alleged error, the evidence provided, the potential impact on the article, and the relevant editorial and ethical requirements.

4.2 Evidence Gathering

The journal may examine relevant documents, research data, publication records, similarity reports, ethical approval documentation, and other supporting materials. Clarification may be requested from the authors, reviewers, institutions, or other relevant parties.

Where necessary, independent experts may be consulted to assess the reliability of the research or the seriousness of the identified problem.

4.3 Author Notification and Response

The corresponding author and, where appropriate, other affected authors will normally be informed of the concern and given a reasonable opportunity to respond.

Authors may provide explanations, supporting documentation, corrected data, or other relevant information. The journal will consider these responses fairly before reaching an editorial decision.

4.4 Consultation with Relevant Parties

When necessary, KPSBSL may contact the authors' affiliated institutions, research ethics committees, funding organizations, or other appropriate bodies to obtain additional information or request a formal investigation.

The journal recognizes that certain allegations may require institutional investigation beyond its editorial authority.

4.5 Editorial Decision

Based on the available evidence, the journal will determine whether no further action, a correction, an expression of concern, or a retraction is appropriate.

The decision will take into account the nature and seriousness of the problem, the reliability of the article's findings, the authors' responses, and applicable publication ethics principles.

4.6 Publication of an Editorial Notice

Where corrective action is required, KPSBSL will publish a clear and appropriately documented notice explaining the decision and its principal reasons, subject to applicable confidentiality, privacy, and legal requirements.

The journal will endeavor to complete these procedures in a timely manner while ensuring fairness, impartiality, and sufficient consideration of the evidence.

If an investigation remains unresolved but credible concerns exist regarding the reliability or integrity of an article, KPSBSL may publish an expression of concern pending further clarification.

5. Retraction Notices and Accessibility

A retraction notice will clearly identify the retracted article and explain the principal reasons for retraction. Where appropriate and legally permissible, the notice will indicate whether the retraction was initiated by the authors, the journal, or another relevant party.

The retraction notice will be linked to the original publication so that readers can readily understand the article's status and the reasons for the editorial action.

Retracted articles will generally remain accessible to preserve the scholarly record, but they will be clearly marked as retracted in the online article and associated publication records wherever technically practicable.

The retraction notice will be published separately and linked to the original article. KPSBSL will take reasonable steps to communicate the article's retracted status to relevant indexing services, repositories, and archiving platforms where applicable.

The journal will not silently remove or alter a published article solely to conceal an error or misconduct. Any exceptional removal required by legal obligations, privacy concerns, or other compelling circumstances will be handled in accordance with applicable policies and documented through an appropriate notice whenever possible.

6. Expressions of Concern

An expression of concern may be issued when credible questions arise regarding the reliability, integrity, or ethical acceptability of a published article, but the available evidence is insufficient to reach a final decision.

KPSBSL may issue an expression of concern while awaiting further information from authors, institutions, research ethics committees, or other relevant parties.

The notice will identify the affected article and explain the general nature of the concern to the extent that disclosure is appropriate and legally permissible.

An expression of concern does not constitute a final finding of misconduct. Once sufficient information becomes available, the journal will review the case and determine whether the expression of concern should remain in place or whether a correction, retraction, or other editorial action is warranted.

7. Responsibilities of Authors and Editors

7.1 Responsibilities of Authors

Authors are responsible for ensuring the accuracy, originality, and integrity of their published work.

If authors discover a significant error or become aware of credible evidence that their article may be unreliable, they should promptly inform the KPSBSL editorial office and cooperate with the journal's assessment.

Authors may request a correction or retraction and should provide a clear explanation and supporting documentation.

Authors are expected to respond honestly to editorial inquiries and to assist in correcting the scholarly record when errors or ethical concerns are substantiated.

7.2 Responsibilities of Editors

Editors are responsible for evaluating reported concerns objectively and making decisions based on the available evidence, recognized publication ethics principles, and the journal's policies.

Editorial decisions must not be influenced by an author's institutional affiliation, academic status, personal relationships, nationality, or the potential impact of a correction or retraction on the journal's reputation.

Editors must maintain appropriate confidentiality, provide affected parties with a fair opportunity to respond, and take proportionate action when a published article is found to require correction or retraction.

7.3 Disagreement Among Authors

If authors disagree about a proposed correction or retraction, KPSBSL will consider their explanations and the relevant evidence before making a decision.

Where appropriate, the journal may seek advice from independent experts or relevant institutions. If serious concerns remain unresolved, the journal may proceed with an appropriate editorial notice based on the available evidence and its responsibility to protect the scholarly record.

The absence of unanimous agreement among authors does not automatically prevent the journal from issuing a correction or retraction when the evidence justifies such action.

8. Appeals and Dispute Resolution

Authors who believe that a correction or retraction decision was based on incomplete evidence, procedural irregularities, or a demonstrable error may submit a reasoned appeal to the KPSBSL editorial office.

Appeals should clearly identify the grounds for reconsideration and include relevant supporting information or documentation.

The appeal will be reviewed impartially, and independent advice may be sought where appropriate. Whenever practicable, the appeal should be considered by an editor or qualified individual who was not directly responsible for the original decision.

KPSBSL will communicate the outcome and the principal reasons for its decision to the relevant parties.

Submitting an appeal does not automatically suspend an editorial action when immediate clarification is necessary to protect readers, research participants, or the integrity of the scholarly record.

9. Transparency, Confidentiality, and Ethical Considerations

KPSBSL will handle correction and retraction cases with due regard for confidentiality, procedural fairness, and the rights of all parties involved.

Information will be disclosed only as necessary to assess the concern, communicate editorial decisions, consult relevant experts or institutions, or meet applicable ethical and legal obligations.

The journal will avoid making premature public judgments about alleged misconduct and will distinguish between confirmed findings, unresolved concerns, and allegations that have not been substantiated.

All corrective actions will be proportionate to the nature and seriousness of the identified problem. The journal seeks to avoid unnecessary harm to authors while prioritizing the accuracy, reliability, and transparency of the scholarly record.

The journal will also consider the rights and interests of research participants, communities, institutions, and other individuals who may be affected by errors or ethical violations in published research.

10. Commitment to Maintaining the Scholarly Record

KPSBSL considers correction, retraction, and expressions of concern essential safeguards for responsible scholarly publishing.

By addressing errors transparently, investigating credible concerns, and issuing appropriate editorial notices, the journal seeks to maintain reader confidence, support research reproducibility, protect the rights of relevant parties, and uphold the principles of academic integrity.

These procedures will be implemented consistently and responsibly, with reference to recognized publication ethics guidance, including applicable recommendations from the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), where relevant.

Through these measures, Kajian Pendidikan, Seni, Budaya, Sosial dan Lingkungan (KPSBSL) reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that published research remains as accurate, transparent, and trustworthy as possible and that the scholarly record is corrected whenever reliable evidence demonstrates that corrective action is necessary.