Policy for Plagiarism

Statement and policy

The Journal of Aceh Studies enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy against plagiarism and duplicate publication. The journal establishes clear operational definitions, reuse criteria, and automated screening procedures to safeguard academic integrity.

1. Operational Definition

Plagiarism is defined as the unacknowledged use, close imitation, or direct copying of the language, ideas, data, or structural thoughts of another author and representing them as one's own original work.

2. Originality & Fair Use Requirements

  • Original & Unpublished Work: All submitted manuscripts must be original, unpublished, and not under consideration by any other journal.

  • Verbatim Text & Quotations: Any material taken verbatim from another publication must be clearly distinguished from the original text through:

    1. Proper indentation (for long block quotes),

    2. Explicit use of quotation marks, and

    3. Accurate, full citation of the primary source.

  • Fair Use & Copyright Clearance: Reproducing text exceeding fair use standards (defined as more than two or three consecutive sentences) or reusing figures, tables, and graphics from other copyrighted sources requires formal written permission from the copyright holder and explicit source attribution.

3. Automated Plagiarism Screening

All submitted manuscripts undergo mandatory automated similarity screening using Turnitin prior to entering the peer-review process.

4. Violation Measures & Penalties

If plagiarism or unacceptable similarity is identified, the Editor-in-Chief and Handling Editor will evaluate the severity of the breach and apply appropriate corrective measures in accordance with COPE protocols and journal guidelines.

Similarity level

The Journal of Aceh Studies enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy towards plagiarism. Every submitted manuscript is evaluated using Turnitin / iThenticate similarity screening software prior to entering peer review. A detailed similarity report is provided to the authors, and editorial actions are taken based on the following similarity index criteria:

Similarity Index Editorial Decision Required Action
Above 40% Outright Rejection Article is rejected immediately due to severe similarity, poor paraphrasing, or lack of proper citation. No resubmission is allowed.
10% – 40% Revision Required Manuscript is returned to the authors for substantial improvement. Authors must re-paraphrase outsourced text and provide precise citations.
Below 10% Accepted / Minor Correction Manuscript proceeds to review or acceptance. Minor citation refinements may still be requested if outsourced text lacks attribution.

Resubmission Requirements for Revised Manuscripts

For manuscripts falling within cases requiring revision, authors must:

  1. Carefully rewrite and properly paraphrase all flagged text passages.

  2. Ensure every outsourced idea, table, or figure has an accurate, explicit citation.

  3. Resubmit the revised manuscript along with an updated similarity report demonstrating a total similarity index of less than 10%.

Additional information

Self-Plagiarism, Republication, and Repeat Offense Policy

Authors bear sole legal and scientific responsibility for the content of their submitted manuscripts. By agreeing to the manuscript submission checklist, authors confirm the originality of their work and acknowledge their compliance with this policy.

1. Handling Self-Plagiarism & Text Overlap

Self-plagiarism includes reusing direct text, data, or visual figures from an author's previously published work without explicit attribution and proper copyright permissions. The journal classifies self-plagiarism into three levels:

  • Severe Plagiarism / Overlap (≥ 50%): Identical or slightly modified text and graphics comprising half or more of the manuscript. If simultaneous submission to another journal is detected, the editor of the receiving journal will be formally notified, and the paper will be rejected or retracted immediately.

  • Intermediate Plagiarism (10% - 50%): Substantive text or figure reuse comprising less than half but more than one-tenth of the manuscript without appropriate attribution.

  • Minor Plagiarism (< 10%): Overlap confined strictly to standard methodology or experimental setup descriptions.

2. Standards for Conference Papers & Translated Works

  • Conference Proceedings: Manuscripts previously published in conference proceedings (in identical or expanded form) must explicitly identify the conference name, location, and publication date. Authors must secure formal republication permission from the copyright holder. The Editorial Board reserves the right to evaluate the novelty and accept or decline the submission.

  • Translated Publications: Manuscripts translated from another language must disclose the original publication title, journal name, and publication date. Formal copyright clearance from the primary publisher is mandatory.

  • Unpublished Presentations: Authors are fully permitted to expand upon material, slides, or visuals from unpublished conference presentations without prior permission.

3. Repeat Offenses and Lifetime Banning

If a second case of severe plagiarism or deliberate self-plagiarism by the same author(s) is identified, the Editorial Board will institute formal disciplinary measures. Sanctions may include an immediate rejection of all active manuscripts and a permanent, lifetime ban from submitting any future works to the Journal of Aceh Studies.