Peer Review Process

Jurnal Laboratorium Khatulistiwa (JLK) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of scientific quality, integrity, and transparency. All manuscripts submitted to the journal undergo a rigorous and systematic double-blind peer review process, ensuring that both authors and reviewers remain anonymous throughout the evaluation.

Initial Editorial Screening

Upon submission, each manuscript is evaluated by the editorial team to assess its suitability in terms of scope, formatting, ethical compliance, and plagiarism screening using similarity detection software. Manuscripts that do not meet the journal’s requirements will be rejected at this stage (desk rejection). Only manuscripts that fulfill the initial criteria proceed to peer review.

Double-Blind Peer Review

Each manuscript is reviewed by a minimum of two independent reviewers with relevant expertise. The double-blind process ensures an objective and unbiased evaluation. Author identities are concealed from reviewers, and reviewer identities are not disclosed to authors.

Review criteria include:

• Scientific quality and originality
• Methodological rigor
• Clarity of presentation
• Relevance to the journal’s scope

Editorial Decision

Based on reviewers’ comments and recommendations, the editor makes a decision regarding the manuscript. Reviewers provide recommendations, but the final decision rests with the Editor-in-Chief.

• Accept Submission
• Minor Revision Required
• Major Revision Required
• Resubmit for Review
• Decline Submission

Review Workflow

1. Submission – Manuscript submitted via journal system
2. Editorial Assignment – Assigned to an editor
3. Initial Screening – Scope and compliance check
4. Peer Review – Evaluation by independent reviewers
5. Revision – Author revises manuscript
6. Evaluation – Reassessment by editor/reviewers
7. Final Decision – Decision by Editor-in-Chief
8. Publication – Accepted manuscript is published

Review Timeline

The average time for initial editorial decision is 2–4 weeks, and the full review process typically takes 4–8 weeks.

Important Notes

• Each manuscript is reviewed by at least two reviewers
• Most manuscripts undergo at least one round of revision
• Submission of revisions does not guarantee acceptance
• Manuscripts will be rejected if authors fail to respond within three months

Ethics and Integrity

JLK adheres to the ethical standards recommended by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). All editors and reviewers are required to declare any conflicts of interest. Manuscripts with potential conflicts are reassigned to ensure objectivity.