The Indonesian Journal of EFL and Linguistics is committed to maintaining the accuracy, integrity, and transparency of the scholarly record. When concerns arise about a published article, the journal will assess the available evidence and take appropriate editorial action, guided by the relevant recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

Corrections

The journal will publish a correction when an error affects the accuracy or interpretation of an article but does not invalidate its overall findings and conclusions. Corrections may address errors in data presentation, analysis, author information, references, acknowledgements, or other substantive content.

Each correction notice will identify the affected article, explain the error, and provide the correct information. The notice will be freely accessible and linked to the original article. Any changes made to the published article will be clearly documented and dated. Minor typographical or formatting errors that do not affect meaning may not require a formal correction.

Changes to authorship require an explanation and appropriate supporting documentation. Where an authorship dispute cannot be resolved, the journal may seek clarification from the relevant institution.

Retractions

The journal will consider retracting an article when there is clear evidence that its findings are unreliable because of a substantial error, data fabrication, falsification, or other serious problems. Retraction may also be appropriate in cases of substantial plagiarism, redundant publication without appropriate disclosure, unethical research, or manipulation of the peer-review or publication process.

Retraction serves to correct the scholarly record and alert readers to work that should no longer be relied upon. It does not necessarily indicate intentional misconduct, as serious errors may also arise unintentionally.

The Editor-in-Chief is responsible for the final retraction decision after evaluating the evidence and consulting relevant parties where appropriate. Authors will normally be informed of the concerns and given an opportunity to respond. However, their agreement is not required when the evidence justifies retraction.

An authorship dispute alone will not normally justify retraction if the article’s findings remain reliable.

Expressions of Concern

The journal may publish an expression of concern when credible and significant questions arise about an article, but the available evidence is insufficient to support a definitive editorial decision. This may occur while an investigation is ongoing, when an investigation is substantially delayed, or when serious concerns remain unresolved.

The notice will describe the concerns without presenting unproven allegations as established facts. It will be freely accessible and linked to the article. When further evidence becomes available, the journal will review the notice and publish an appropriate update, correction, retraction, or statement resolving the concerns.

Reporting and Assessment

Authors, readers, reviewers, and other parties may report suspected errors or ethical concerns to the Editor-in-Chief through the contact details provided on the journal’s website. Reports should identify the article, describe the concern, and include relevant supporting evidence.

The editorial team will assess reports fairly and confidentially, as far as practicable. Authors may be asked to provide explanations, original data, research materials, or relevant ethical documentation. When necessary, the journal may consult independent experts or refer concerns to the authors’ institutions. Editors with a conflict of interest will not participate in the assessment or decision.

Notices and Preservation of the Scholarly Record

Correction, expression-of-concern, and retraction notices will clearly identify the affected article and explain the reasons for the action. Retraction notices will also identify who is retracting the article and, where relevant, state whether the authors agree with the decision.

Retracted articles will normally remain accessible to preserve the publication record. Their online versions will be clearly marked as retracted and linked to the retraction notice. Relevant article metadata will be updated, and indexing services will be notified where applicable.

Article content may be removed only in exceptional circumstances, such as a legal requirement or a serious breach of participant privacy. Where permissible, a bibliographic record and an explanation of the removal will remain available.

Appeals

Authors may appeal a correction or retraction decision by submitting a reasoned explanation and supporting evidence to the Editor-in-Chief. Appeals will be assessed impartially, with independent editorial input where appropriate. An appeal will not automatically delay action needed to protect the integrity of the scholarly record.