Retraction and Correction Policies

The journal is committed to preserving the accuracy, transparency, and integrity of the scholarly record. When errors, omissions, ethical violations, or other problems are identified in a published article, the editorial team will determine the appropriate action based on the nature and significance of the issue.

Corrections and retractions are intended to ensure that readers can identify and understand the status of the published record. They are not intended primarily as punitive measures against authors.

5.1. Corrections

A correction may be issued when a published article contains an error or omission that requires amendment but does not invalidate the overall findings or principal conclusions.

Examples include:

  • Incorrect author names, affiliations, or contribution statements.

  • Errors in tables, figures, references, or other published information.

  • Minor factual, typographical, or analytical errors that affect the accuracy of the article.

  • Inaccuracies in funding or competing-interest disclosures.

The editorial team will assess the significance of the error and determine whether a formal correction notice is necessary.

Correction notices will clearly identify the affected article and explain the nature of the correction. The original article will remain accessible, with an appropriate link or notice indicating that a correction has been published.

5.2. Retractions

A retraction may be necessary when a published article is found to be unreliable or seriously compromised.

Grounds for retraction may include:

  • Clear evidence of data fabrication or falsification.

  • Serious methodological or analytical errors that invalidate the findings or conclusions.

  • Plagiarism or substantial unattributed duplication.

  • Redundant publication without appropriate justification or disclosure.

  • Unethical research practices that undermine the validity or ethical acceptability of the work.

  • Compromised peer review or other serious publication process manipulation.

  • Other substantiated circumstances that substantially undermine confidence in the article.

A retraction may be considered whether the underlying problem resulted from deliberate misconduct or an honest error. The decision will focus on the reliability and integrity of the published work.

5.3. Retraction Procedure

Before issuing a retraction, the editorial team will assess the available evidence and, where appropriate, seek explanations from the authors and relevant institutions.

Authors will normally be given an opportunity to respond to the concerns. However, the journal may proceed with an appropriate editorial action when the available evidence justifies it, even if an author does not respond or disagrees with the proposed action.

A retraction notice will:

  • Clearly identify the retracted article, including its title and authors.

  • Explain the reasons for retraction in a factual and transparent manner.

  • Be linked to the original article.

  • Remain publicly accessible to readers.

  • Identify the retracted article's status in the journal's online publication record.

The original article will ordinarily remain accessible in the scholarly record with a clear retraction notice or status label, rather than being silently removed. Any exceptional removal or restriction will be considered only when justified by legal, privacy, safety, or other compelling requirements.

5.4. Expression of Concern

When credible concerns arise about a published article but the available evidence is insufficient to reach a final decision, the journal may publish an Expression of Concern.

This notice informs readers that an issue affecting the reliability or integrity of the article is under examination. It will be linked to the original article and updated or followed by an appropriate outcome, such as a correction, retraction, or statement that the concern has been resolved, when the circumstances permit.

5.5. Editorial Independence

Decisions concerning corrections, Expressions of Concern, and retractions will be based on the evidence and the need to maintain the integrity of the scholarly record.

The publisher, commercial considerations, institutional interests, or personal relationships must not improperly influence these decisions. Where an editor has a relevant conflict of interest, the matter will be handled by an independent editorial representative.

Questions, complaints, or reports concerning publication ethics and research integrity may be directed to the editorial office of Al-Mada: Jurnal Agama, Sosial, dan Budaya.

Email: almada@uac.ac.id

The journal will assess concerns in accordance with its editorial policies and applicable principles of publication ethics. Where appropriate, the journal will follow relevant guidance issued by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

COPE resources: