Peer Review Process

All manuscripts submitted to Al-Ridha: Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat undergo a rigorous and transparent evaluation process as outlined below:

  • Initial Desk Evaluation:

    • Every submitted manuscript is initially screened by the Editor-in-Chief or Section Editor.

    • The preliminary check evaluates scope compatibility, compliance with author guidelines, overall structure, and a similarity index check (Turnitin/iThenticate).

    • Manuscripts failing to meet basic author guidelines or falling outside the focus and scope will be rejected or returned for unreviewed revisions.

  • Review Model (Double-Blind Peer Review):

    • Manuscripts passing the desk evaluation are assigned to at least two (2) independent peer reviewers who are experts in the relevant field of community empowerment.

    • The review operates under a double-blind policy: the identities of the reviewers and the authors remain mutually anonymous throughout the process.

  • Review Criteria:

    • Reviewers evaluate submissions based on original contribution, clarity of community problem analysis, appropriateness of participatory methods (e.g., PAR, ABCD), measurable community impact, clarity of discussion, and citation validity.

  • Editorial Decision:

    • Based on the reviewers’ evaluations and recommendations, the Editor makes one of the following decisions:

      1. Accept Submission: The manuscript is accepted as is without changes.

      2. Revisions Required: The author must submit minor revisions before acceptance.

      3. Resubmit for Review: Major revisions are needed, and the updated paper will undergo a second round of review.

      4. Decline Submission: The manuscript does not meet the journal’s standards and is rejected.

  • Timeline:

    • The first-round review process typically takes between 2 to 4 weeks from the date of assignment to reviewers.

    • Authors are normally given 2 weeks to complete and resubmit revisions.

  • Final Editorial Discretion:

    • The Editor-in-Chief reserves the right to make the ultimate decision regarding acceptance or rejection of any article.