Correction and Retraction Policy

1. Article Corrections

BIMA may publish a correction when an error is identified in a published article and the error can be addressed without requiring the article to be retracted. The need for a correction is assessed according to the nature of the error and its potential effect on the accuracy, interpretation, or presentation of the research.

Corrections may concern author or affiliation details, textual information, tables, figures, references, or other elements of an article. Where an error affects the interpretation of the results, the editorial team will consider its significance carefully before deciding on the appropriate action.

A correction notice will describe the amendment and explain its reason where appropriate. The notice will be linked to the original article so that readers can identify the change and understand the article's corrected status. The correction process is not intended to conceal mistakes but to maintain an accurate and transparent scholarly record.

2. Expressions of Concern

BIMA may issue an expression of concern when credible information raises substantial questions about the reliability, validity, or ethical integrity of a published article, but the available evidence does not yet support a definitive editorial decision.

This action may be considered while an investigation is in progress, when relevant documentation is being examined, or when clarification is required from the authors, their institutions, or other parties with relevant information. The Editor-in-Chief, in consultation with the editorial team where appropriate, will assess whether an expression of concern is warranted.

The notice will explain the nature of the concern to the extent that the available evidence permits and that can appropriately be disclosed. Once additional information becomes available, BIMA will reassess the matter and determine whether a correction, retraction, or other editorial action is required.

3. Article Retraction

BIMA may retract a published article when evidence demonstrates that serious problems have compromised the reliability of its findings or the integrity of its publication. Retraction is intended to alert readers that the article should no longer be regarded as a reliable contribution to the scholarly literature in its published form.

Grounds for retraction may include, but are not limited to:

A retraction decision will be based on an editorial assessment of the available evidence. Where appropriate, the authors will be invited to respond to the concerns and provide relevant clarification. The decision will not depend solely on whether the authors agree with the proposed action; it will be guided by the evidence and the seriousness of the identified problem.

A retraction notice will identify the affected article, explain the reasons for the decision to the extent that they can appropriately be disclosed, and be linked to the original publication. The notice should clearly distinguish the retraction from the original article and identify the parties responsible for the retraction where this information can appropriately be provided.

4. Evaluation and Decision-Making Process

Concerns about a published article may be brought to the journal's attention by authors, readers, reviewers, editors, institutions, or other parties who can provide relevant information. BIMA considers such reports on their merits and assesses whether further examination or editorial action is necessary.

If a case involves suspected research or publication misconduct, BIMA will also refer to its applicable research misconduct and publication ethics policies. The scope of any investigation and the resulting editorial action will be proportionate to the seriousness of the issue and supported by the available evidence.

5. Fairness and Editorial Independence

BIMA seeks to handle correction and retraction matters objectively, consistently, and without undue influence. Authors will normally be given a reasonable opportunity to respond to substantive concerns when doing so is appropriate and will not compromise the integrity of an investigation or the protection of affected parties.

Editorial decisions are based on the available evidence, the implications for the scholarly record, and the journal's applicable policies. A correction or retraction is not intended as a punitive measure in itself; its primary purpose is to ensure that the status and reliability of published research are accurately communicated to readers.

6. Record-Keeping and Availability of Information

BIMA aims to preserve a clear and traceable record of editorial actions affecting published articles. Correction notices, expressions of concern, and retraction notices will be linked to the relevant original publication whenever the journal's publishing platform permits.

A retracted article will not be treated as though it had never been published. The publication record and the associated retraction notice will remain available in accordance with the journal's archiving practices and technical capabilities. Where feasible, the article will be clearly identified as retracted to help prevent readers from mistaking it for an article that remains fully reliable.

Notices will provide sufficient information for readers to understand the nature of the editorial action, while respecting applicable privacy, confidentiality, and legal considerations. The journal will seek to ensure that relevant updates are communicated clearly and that the publication record reflects the outcome of the editorial assessment.