The Gema Journal of Universitas Islam Batik Surakarta adheres to a rigorous peer review process to ensure the quality, credibility, and academic integrity of the articles published. This process involves a thorough evaluation of submitted manuscripts by independent experts in the relevant field. The peer review procedure is designed to maintain the high standards of scholarly publication and to improve the quality of research.

1. Initial Submission and Screening

Upon receiving a manuscript, the editorial team performs an initial screening to ensure the manuscript aligns with the journal's scope and guidelines. Manuscripts that do not meet the basic requirements or are outside the scope of the journal may be rejected at this stage without further review.

2. Peer Review Selection

If the manuscript passes the initial screening, it is then assigned to at least two independent peer reviewers who are experts in the subject matter of the manuscript. These reviewers are selected based on their expertise and experience, ensuring an impartial and comprehensive evaluation.

3. Double-Blind Review

The Gema Journal follows a double-blind peer review process, where both the authors and reviewers remain anonymous to each other. This ensures unbiased feedback and promotes a fair evaluation of the manuscript.

4. Reviewer's Evaluation

The assigned reviewers evaluate the manuscript based on the following criteria:

• Originality and novelty: The research should contribute new knowledge to the field.
• Significance and relevance: The study should be relevant to the academic community and address important issues.
• Methodological rigor: The research design, methods, and analysis should be sound and appropriate.
• Clarity and organization: The manuscript should be well-written, clearly structured, and easy to understand.
• Citations and references: The manuscript should properly cite relevant literature and follow the correct referencing style.

Reviewers provide constructive feedback, suggestions for improvement, and recommendations regarding the manuscript's suitability for publication. They can recommend one of the following decisions:

• Accept: The manuscript is accepted for publication without any major revisions.
• Minor Revisions: The manuscript requires minor changes, and the authors should address these before final acceptance.
• Major Revisions: Significant changes are needed, and the authors must make substantial revisions before resubmitting the manuscript.
• Reject: The manuscript does not meet the journal's standards and is rejected.

5. Author's Revisions

After receiving feedback from the reviewers, the authors are given the opportunity to revise their manuscript accordingly. Authors must address all comments and suggestions made by the reviewers in a detailed response letter, explaining how each point has been addressed in the revised manuscript.

6. Final Decision

Once the authors submit the revised manuscript, the editorial team reviews the revisions and the reviewers' feedback. If the revisions are satisfactory, the manuscript is accepted for publication. If further revisions are required, the manuscript may undergo additional rounds of review.

7. Publication

Once the manuscript is accepted, it undergoes a final editing and proofreading process to ensure clarity and correctness. The article is then scheduled for publication in an upcoming issue of the Gema Journal.

8. Transparency and Integrity

The Gema Journal maintains a high level of transparency and academic integrity throughout the peer review process. Authors and reviewers are expected to adhere to ethical standards, and any conflicts of interest must be disclosed.