Peer Review Process

Selaparang Multidisciplinary Research (SEMAR) is a double-blind peer-reviewed journal. Every paper submitted to Selaparang Multidisciplinary Research (SEMAR) for publication is subject to peer review. The peer review in this journal is an evaluation of the submitted paper by two or more individuals of similar competence to the author. It aims to determine the academic paper's suitability for publication. The peer review method is employed to maintain standards of quality and provide credibility to the published papers. The peer review at Selaparang Multidisciplinary Research (SEMAR) proceeds in 9 steps with the description as follows.

1. Submission of Paper

The corresponding or submitting author submits the paper to the journal. This is carried out via an online system supported by the Open Journal Systems (OJS). However, in order to facilitate authors, Selaparang Multidisciplinary Research (SEMAR) temporarily also accepts paper submissions by email.

2. Editorial Office Assessment

The submitted paper is first assessed by the editorial team of Selaparang Multidisciplinary Research (SEMAR). The editor checks whether it is suitable with the journal's focus and scope. The paper's composition and arrangement are evaluated against the journal's Author Guidelines to ensure that it contains all required sections and follows the prescribed formatting. In addition, an initial assessment of the manuscript quality is conducted, including the identification of any major methodological flaws. Every submitted paper that passes this stage will be checked using Turnitin to measure the similarity index and detect potential plagiarism before being sent to reviewers.

3. Appraisal by the Editor-in-Chief

The Editor-in-Chief checks whether the paper is appropriate for the journal, sufficiently original, scientifically sound, and significant for publication. If the manuscript does not meet these criteria, it may be rejected without proceeding to the peer review stage.

4. Invitation to Reviewers

The handling editor invites qualified reviewers based on their expertise, research interests, and the absence of any conflict of interest. The peer review process at Selaparang Multidisciplinary Research (SEMAR) involves experts who possess relevant academic competence and are committed to providing objective and constructive evaluations. This journal employs a double-blind peer review system, meaning that reviewers do not know the identity of the authors, and authors do not know the identity of the reviewers. Accordingly, manuscripts are sent to reviewers anonymously.

5. Response to Invitations

Potential reviewers consider the invitation based on their expertise, availability, and any potential conflicts of interest. They may accept or decline the invitation. If declining, reviewers may suggest an alternative reviewer with appropriate expertise.

6. Review is Conducted

The reviewers allocate sufficient time to evaluate the manuscript thoroughly. The initial reading is intended to obtain a general impression of the work. If fundamental weaknesses are identified at this stage, reviewers may recommend rejection. Otherwise, they continue evaluating the manuscript in detail and prepare constructive comments and recommendations. The review is then submitted to the journal with one of the following recommendations: accept, minor revision, major revision, or reject.

7. Journal Evaluates the Reviews

The Editor-in-Chief and handling editor evaluate all reviewer reports before making a final editorial decision. If the recommendations differ substantially between reviewers, an additional reviewer may be invited to provide another independent evaluation.

8. The Decision is Communicated

The editor communicates the editorial decision to the corresponding author together with the anonymous reviewer comments. These comments are intended to help the author improve the manuscript where necessary. Reviewers are also informed of the outcome of the review process.

9. Final Steps

If the manuscript is accepted, it proceeds to the copyediting stage. If revisions are required, whether major or minor, the handling editor provides the reviewer comments and editorial recommendations to assist the author in improving the manuscript.

After completing the revisions, the author should resubmit the revised manuscript through the journal system.

If the manuscript has been returned for revision, the reviewers may be asked to evaluate the revised version unless they have declined further participation. In cases involving only minor revisions, the handling editor may assess the revised manuscript without sending it back to the reviewers.

Once the editor is satisfied that the manuscript meets the journal's publication standards, it is formally accepted for publication. Accepted articles proceed through copyediting, layout editing, proofreading, and online publication. All published articles are freely accessible and available for download in PDF format under the journal's open-access policy.