Indonesian Journal of Community Empowerment (IJCE) recognizes that scholarly publication represents an important stage in the dissemination of research rather than the conclusion of scientific inquiry. Academic knowledge continues to develop through critical evaluation, scholarly debate, replication, and the reassessment of previously published findings.

IJCE is committed to promoting constructive and evidence-based post-publication discussion as part of its responsibility to maintain the quality, transparency, and integrity of the scholarly record.

In accordance with the principles of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), IJCE provides opportunities for researchers, authors, readers, and members of the academic community to raise questions, offer scholarly comments, and communicate concerns regarding articles published in the journal.

1. Purpose and Scope

Post-publication discussion aims to encourage continuous scholarly engagement and constructive evaluation of published research.

Such discussions may address:

• Research methodology, study design, sampling procedures, data analysis, and the reproducibility of findings.
• Theoretical interpretations, conceptual arguments, and the validity of research conclusions.
• The accuracy and completeness of reported research data, references, and supporting information.
• The broader implications, limitations, and applicability of published findings.
• Potential ethical concerns, undisclosed competing interests, or other issues affecting the credibility of published research.
• New empirical evidence or theoretical perspectives that meaningfully extend, question, or refine previously published findings.

Scholarly disagreement, including criticism of research methods or interpretations, is recognized as a legitimate component of academic discourse and does not automatically indicate misconduct or an error requiring correction.

2. Mechanisms for Post-Publication Discussion

IJCE facilitates post-publication discussion through correspondence with the Editorial Office and, where appropriate, through the publication of scholarly responses.

Researchers and readers may submit comments, questions, methodological critiques, or requests for clarification concerning published articles.

Submissions may take the form of a Letter to the Editor, scholarly commentary, a formal response, or a documented concern requiring editorial evaluation.

Submissions should clearly identify the relevant article, explain the academic issue being raised, and provide supporting arguments, references, or evidence.

IJCE may publish selected scholarly discussions and corresponding author responses when they provide a meaningful contribution to the scientific record. Publication remains subject to editorial assessment and, where necessary, independent expert review.

Post-publication commentary may also be initiated by community partners, beneficiary representatives or practitioners, provided that the discussion remains evidence-based and respects consent, community dignity, confidentiality and the rights of vulnerable participants.

3. Principles of Scholarly Discussion

All post-publication discussions must adhere to the principles of academic integrity, professionalism, and respectful scholarly communication.

Comments and critiques should:

• Focus on the research, evidence, methodology, interpretation, or scholarly argument rather than personal characteristics of the authors.
• Be supported by credible reasoning, appropriate references, or verifiable evidence.
• Distinguish established facts from interpretations, hypotheses, or opinions.
• Avoid defamatory statements, personal attacks, discriminatory language, and unsupported allegations.
• Respect intellectual property rights, research confidentiality, and the privacy of research participants.

IJCE reserves the right to decline the publication of comments that do not meet these standards.

4. Editorial Assessment and Author Response

Submissions concerning published articles will be evaluated by the Editor-in-Chief or a designated editor.

The editorial assessment may consider the academic relevance, clarity, originality, evidentiary support, and potential implications of the comments.

Where appropriate, IJCE will invite the original authors to respond to substantive questions or criticisms. Authors are expected to engage constructively with legitimate scholarly concerns and provide additional explanations or supporting documentation when reasonably requested.

For technically complex matters, the journal may seek advice from independent experts.

The editorial team will assess responses fairly and will not automatically reject credible concerns solely because the original authors disagree with them or do not respond.

5. Publication and Accessibility of Scholarly Discussions

When a post-publication discussion is considered academically significant, IJCE may publish the relevant correspondence, commentary, or author response through its journal platform.

Published discussions should clearly identify the original article and include a link to the article’s DOI whenever available.

Where technically feasible, the original article will also be linked to the related discussion to facilitate access to the complete scholarly exchange.

Editorial decisions regarding the publication of comments and responses will be based on scholarly relevance and the need to maintain an accurate, balanced, and transparent research record.

6. Handling Substantial Concerns Raised After Publication

When a post-publication discussion identifies a potentially significant error, unreliable finding, or ethical concern, the matter may be referred for further assessment under IJCE’s policies on research misconduct, conflicts of interest, or corrections and retractions.

Possible outcomes include publication of a scholarly response, clarification, correction, Expression of Concern, or retraction, depending on the evidence and seriousness of the issue.

IJCE distinguishes scholarly debate from established errors or misconduct. Disagreement alone is insufficient grounds for retracting or correcting an article.

7. Commitment to Continuous Scholarly Evaluation

IJCE encourages responsible academic dialogue as a means of strengthening research quality, supporting scientific self-correction, and advancing knowledge in community empowerment and service learning across entrepreneurship, education, information technology, health, social sciences, agriculture, environmental studies, and related disciplines.

By facilitating post-publication discussions, IJCE seeks to ensure that published research remains open to constructive scrutiny and contributes to an accountable and evolving scholarly community.