Correction and Retraction Policy

1. General Policy

The Borneo Journal of Language and Education (BENJOLE) is committed to preserving the accuracy, transparency, and integrity of the scholarly record. The journal recognizes that errors may be identified after publication and that concerns about the reliability or ethical acceptability of a published article must be addressed responsibly.

BENJOLE may publish corrections, expressions of concern, or retraction notices when justified by the available evidence and the circumstances of the case.

The purpose of these actions is to correct the scholarly record and inform readers, not to punish authors. Decisions are made in accordance with the seriousness of the issue, its effect on the reliability of the published work, and applicable publication ethics guidance, including the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) Retraction Guidelines.

2. Correction

A correction is issued when an error in a published article needs to be corrected but does not invalidate the overall reliability of the research or its principal conclusions.

Corrections may be appropriate for:

• Errors in text, tables, figures, or other published information.
• Incorrect author names, affiliations, or contribution details.
• Errors in references, citations, or acknowledgements.
• Inaccurate funding or conflict-of-interest declarations.
• Other errors that require formal correction to maintain an accurate scholarly record.

The editorial team will assess the nature and significance of the reported error before deciding whether a correction is necessary.

A correction notice should clearly identify the affected article, describe the error, provide the corrected information, and explain the change where appropriate. The notice should be linked to the original article so that readers can readily identify the correction.

Minor typographical or formatting errors that do not affect meaning or interpretation may be corrected during routine production or maintenance without a separate formal notice, where appropriate.

3. Expression of Concern

An Expression of Concern is a formal notice informing readers that significant questions have arisen about a published article but that the available evidence is not yet sufficient to reach a final conclusion.

BENJOLE may issue an Expression of Concern when, for example:

• Credible allegations of research or publication misconduct are being investigated.
• Serious questions about the reliability of the findings remain unresolved.
• An institutional investigation is ongoing or its outcome is substantially delayed.
• Available evidence is inconclusive, but the concern is significant enough to warrant informing readers.
• Other circumstances create reasonable uncertainty about the integrity of the published work.

An Expression of Concern does not constitute a final finding of misconduct. It is intended to alert readers while the matter is being examined.

The notice should identify the affected article, explain the nature of the concern to the extent appropriate, and be linked to the original publication.

When additional evidence becomes available, the journal will reassess the case and determine whether a correction, retraction, further notice, or no additional action is appropriate.

4. Retraction

A retraction is issued when a published article contains serious problems that undermine the reliability of its findings or conclusions, or when significant ethical or publication violations justify withdrawing the article from the valid scholarly record.

BENJOLE may consider retracting an article in circumstances including, but not limited to:

• Clear evidence that the findings are unreliable because of major error, data fabrication, or data falsification.
• Substantial plagiarism or serious misappropriation of another person's work.
• Duplicate or redundant publication that materially compromises the scholarly record.
• Unauthorized use of data, materials, or other protected content where the circumstances justify retraction.
• Research conducted or reported in violation of serious ethical requirements.
• Compromised or manipulated peer review that undermines the legitimacy of the publication process.
• Undisclosed conflicts of interest that materially affect the interpretation or credibility of the findings.
• Other serious violations that make the article unreliable or ethically unacceptable.

Retraction is not automatically required for every error or authorship dispute. The editorial team will consider whether the findings remain reliable, whether the issue can be adequately corrected, and whether retraction is justified by the available evidence.

A retraction may be considered even when the authors disagree with the decision, provided that the evidence and circumstances justify the action.

5. Procedures for Handling Post-Publication Concerns

Concerns about a published article may be raised by authors, readers, reviewers, researchers, institutions, or other concerned parties.

Reports should be submitted to the BENJOLE editorial office with a clear description of the concern and relevant supporting evidence, where available.

Upon receiving a report, the editorial team may:

1. Review the allegation and supporting information.
2. Assess the potential effect of the concern on the reliability, originality, or ethical acceptability of the article.
3. Request clarification or supporting documentation from the authors.
4. Consult independent experts or the relevant institution when necessary.
5. Determine whether a correction, Expression of Concern, retraction, or other action is appropriate.

The journal will handle concerns fairly and confidentially, subject to applicable ethical and legal requirements. Relevant parties should be given an appropriate opportunity to respond before an adverse conclusion is reached, where practicable.

Where formal institutional investigation is required, BENJOLE may contact the relevant research institution or organization and consider the information provided in determining its editorial response.

6. Retraction Notices

When an article is retracted, BENJOLE will publish a clearly identified retraction notice that is linked to the original article.

The notice should, where applicable:

• Identify the title, authors, and bibliographic details of the affected article.
• State clearly that the article has been retracted.
• Explain the principal reasons for retraction.
• Identify whether the retraction is initiated by the authors, the journal, or another responsible party.
• Distinguish, where established, between honest error and research or publication misconduct.
• Be made publicly accessible without unnecessary access restrictions.

The notice must use objective and factual language and avoid unsupported allegations or unnecessary personal judgments.

The journal will seek to publish the notice promptly once the editorial team has sufficient evidence to justify retraction.

7. Status of Retracted Articles and Preservation of the Scholarly Record

Retracted articles will remain part of the scholarly record unless exceptional legal or safety circumstances require another approach.

8. Corrections to Authorship and Other Publication Information

Errors involving authorship, affiliations, funding declarations, acknowledgements, or conflicts of interest will be assessed according to their nature and significance.

Where the research findings remain reliable and the issue can be corrected appropriately, a correction or updated disclosure may be more suitable than retraction.

Authorship disputes will be handled in accordance with BENJOLE's Authorship and Contribution Policy and relevant publication ethics guidance. The journal may request written agreement or supporting documentation from the individuals concerned or contact the relevant institution when necessary.

The journal will not automatically retract an article solely because of an authorship dispute if there is no independent reason to doubt the reliability of the research.

9. Responsibilities of Authors

Authors are expected to notify BENJOLE promptly if they identify a significant error or ethical concern in their published work.

Authors should cooperate with editorial inquiries and provide relevant information needed to assess the issue. Where a correction is appropriate, authors should assist in preparing accurate corrected information.

Authors may propose a correction or request retraction of their article, but the final editorial decision rests with the authorized editor in accordance with the journal's policies and the available evidence.

Failure by an author to cooperate does not prevent the journal from taking appropriate action when sufficient evidence is available.

10. Editorial Independence and Decision-Making

Decisions concerning corrections, Expressions of Concern, and retractions must be based on evidence, the significance of the issue, and the need to protect the scholarly record.

The authorized editor retains responsibility for the final editorial decision. The publisher may provide operational or administrative support but must not improperly influence decisions because of financial, institutional, or commercial interests.

Where an editor has a conflict of interest, the matter should be assigned to an appropriately independent editor.

The journal may seek external advice or consult the relevant institution when necessary to support a fair and informed decision.

11. Appeals and Further Review

Authors or other directly affected parties may submit a written appeal concerning a decision to issue a correction, Expression of Concern, or retraction.

The appeal should explain the grounds for reconsideration and provide any relevant additional evidence or information.

Where practicable, an appeal should be considered by an editor or qualified person who was not directly involved in the original decision and who has no relevant conflict of interest.

The journal may request further information before reaching a decision. An appeal does not automatically suspend an editorial action when immediate action is necessary to protect the integrity of the scholarly record.

12. Related Policies

This policy should be read together with the following BENJOLE policies:

• Publication Ethics.
• Allegations of Research Misconduct.
• Plagiarism Policy.
• Authorship and Contribution Policy.
• Conflict of Interest Policy.
• Peer Review Process Policy.
• Post-Publication Discussion Policy.

13. Contact Information

Reports, questions, or requests concerning corrections, Expressions of Concern, or retractions may be directed to the BENJOLE editorial office.

Email: jurnal.benjole@uinsi.ac.id

BENJOLE is committed to addressing post-publication concerns fairly, transparently, and promptly to preserve the accuracy, credibility, and integrity of the scholarly record.