Eumpang Breuh: Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat is committed to maintaining the accuracy and integrity of published articles. If errors or issues affecting the content of an article are identified, the journal will evaluate the need to issue a correction, an expression of concern, or a retraction. These actions aim to preserve the reliability of the scholarly record and provide clear information to readers.

Correction

A correction is published when an error needs to be rectified, but does not invalidate the reliability of the main findings and conclusions of the article. Such errors may include:

• Errors in data, tables, figures, or text that have a limited impact on the interpretation of results.
• Mistakes in author identity, affiliation, or author details.
• Omissions in funding information, conflicts of interest, or acknowledgments.
• Other errors that could mislead readers if uncorrected.

Authorship & Transparency: Changes to authorship require an explanation and the consent of all concerned parties. In the event of an authorship dispute, the editors may request resolution through the appropriate institution. A correction is published as a formal notice detailing the error and its correction, linked directly to the original article. Substantive changes are never made silently without clear notice to readers.

Expression of Concern

An Expression of Concern may be published when serious concerns arise regarding the integrity or reliability of an article, but the available evidence is insufficient to make a final determination, or an investigation is still ongoing.

The notice outlines the issue without concluding misconduct that has not been proven. Upon completion of the investigation, the journal will update the status through a follow-up notice, a correction, or a retraction based on the findings.

Article Retraction

A retraction is executed when strong evidence indicates that the article suffers from severe deficiencies, including:

• Unreliable results or conclusions due to major errors, data fabrication, or data falsification.
• Substantial plagiarism or duplicate publication without adequate disclosure.
• Research or community engagement activities that severely violate ethical principles.
• Unauthorized use of data or materials that fundamentally impacts the article's validity.
• Peer-review manipulation or undisclosed conflicts of interest that severely impair the reliability of the article.

A retraction does not always imply intentional misconduct or violation by the authors. Unintentional errors can also warrant a retraction if they render the article's results unreliable.

Handling Procedure

1. Receipt of Report: Authors, readers, reviewers, or other parties may report potential issues via the journal’s official contact details, providing the article identification, an explanation, and supporting evidence.
2. Review and Clarification: Editors assess the evidence and provide the authors an opportunity to respond. If necessary, editors may involve independent experts or relevant institutions.
3. Decision Making: The decision is based on the severity of the error, the strength of the evidence, and its impact on article integrity. Editors with conflicts of interest are excluded from the decision-making process.
4. Issuance of Notice: The journal publishes a notice detailing the action, the rationale, the issuing party, and links it directly to the corresponding article.

Authors may request a correction or retraction of their own article. The editorial board may also proceed without the consensus of all authors if supported by sufficient evidence. Author agreement or disagreement may be noted in the published notice.

Status of Retracted Articles

Retracted articles remain accessible on the journal website to preserve the scholarly publication record, clearly watermarked or labeled “RETRACTED” on the article page and full-text files. Retraction notices are openly accessible and linked to the respective article.

Complete removal of article content is considered only under extraordinary circumstances, such as legal mandates, severe privacy violations, or public safety risks. If content must be removed, the bibliographic information and a statement explaining the removal will remain visible to the extent permitted.

Appeals and Objections

Authors may lodge an appeal against an editorial decision by providing relevant justifications and additional evidence through the journal's official contact. Appeals are reviewed by parties who have no conflicts of interest and, whenever feasible, were not involved in the initial decision.