Indonesian Journal of Spatial Planning (IJSP) is a peer-reviewed journal published by Universitas Semarang. The journal is committed to upholding the highest standards of publication ethics and takes all possible measures against publication malpractice. This statement clarifies the ethical responsibilities of all parties involved in publishing an article in IJSP, including authors, the Editor-in-Chief, the Editorial Board, peer reviewers, and the publisher. This statement is based on the COPE Best Practice Guidelines for Journal Editors.
1. Ethical Guidelines for Journal Publication
The publication of an article in a peer-reviewed journal such as Indonesian Journal of Spatial Planning (IJSP) is an essential building block in the development of a coherent and respected network of knowledge in spatial planning, urban studies, and regional development. It directly reflects the quality of the authors' work and the supporting institutions. Peer-reviewed articles support and embody the scientific method. It is therefore crucial to establish standards of ethical behavior for all parties involved in the publication process.
Universitas Semarang, as the publisher of IJSP, takes its responsibilities throughout all publishing stages seriously and recognizes its ethical obligations. The journal ensures that advertising, reprints, and other commercial revenue do not influence editorial decisions. The Editorial Board will also assist in communication with other journals and publishers whenever necessary and appropriate.
2. Allegations of Research Misconduct
Research misconduct includes fabrication of spatial data/surveys, falsification of research maps/models, citation manipulation, and plagiarism in the production, conduct, or review of research, the preparation of an article, or the reporting of research results. When authors are found to have engaged in research misconduct or other serious irregularities, the Editors have a responsibility to protect the accuracy and integrity of the scientific record.
In cases of suspected misconduct, the Editors and Editorial Board will follow the best practices and guidance of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) to resolve complaints fairly. The Editors will investigate allegations thoroughly. A submitted manuscript found to contain research misconduct will be rejected immediately. If a published article is found to contain such misconduct, the journal will issue a formal retraction linked to the original article.
If scientific misconduct or substantial research irregularities are considered possible, allegations will be shared with the corresponding author for a detailed response on behalf of all co-authors. Based on the evaluation of such concerns, IJSP may take appropriate action, including issuing corrections, retractions with replacement, or full retractions.
3. Publication Decisions
The Editor-in-Chief of Indonesian Journal of Spatial Planning (IJSP) is responsible for deciding which submitted articles should be published. Such decisions are based solely on the scientific validation of the work, its originality, clarity, and its relevance to researchers and practitioners in spatial planning. The Editors comply with applicable legal requirements concerning libel, copyright infringement, and plagiarism, consulting reviewers and editorial board members as needed.
4. Complaints and Appeals
IJSP maintains a formal procedure for handling complaints against the journal, its editorial staff, the Editorial Board, or the publisher. Complaints may concern any aspect of editorial operations, citation manipulation, unfair treatment by editors/reviewers, or peer-review manipulation. All complaints will be handled impartially in accordance with COPE guidance.
Editors evaluate manuscripts based exclusively on their intellectual and scientific content, without regard to the authors' race, gender, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, ethnic origin, citizenship, or political philosophy.
6. Confidentiality
The Editor-in-Chief, section editors, and editorial staff must not disclose any information about a submitted manuscript to anyone other than the corresponding author, peer reviewers, potential reviewers, editorial advisers, and the publisher, as appropriate to the editorial process.
7. Disclosure and Conflicts of Interest
Unpublished spatial data, datasets, maps, or textual materials disclosed in a submitted manuscript must not be used in an Editor’s own research without the explicit written consent of the authors.
8. Post-Publication Discussions and Corrections
Indonesian Journal of Spatial Planning (IJSP) encourages post-publication discourse and corrections. Readers wishing to submit a discussion or correction regarding a published article should contact the Editor-in-Chief via email, clearly explaining the issue raised.
If accepted by the Editor-in-Chief, the discussion or correction may be published in a subsequent issue as a Letter to the Editor. The relevant author may respond by submitting a Reply to the Letter to the Editor, which may also be published following editorial evaluation.
Ethics Reference: Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). Best Practice Guidelines for Journal Editors.
