Indonesian Journal of Educational Management and Leadership (IJEMAL) is a peer-reviewed journal that maintains a rigorous review process. Each manuscript submitted to IJEMAL undergoes a peer review, during which experts in the field assess the paper's quality and suitability for publication. This process ensures that published papers meet high standards of excellence and enhance their credibility. The peer review at IJEMAL consists of nine distinct steps, as outlined below.

1. The primary author, also known as the corresponding or submitting author, forwards their paper to IJEMAL using the online system facilitated by the Open Journal System (OJS). However, to accommodate authors, IJEMAL currently allows temporary submission of papers via email.
2. Initially, the submitted paper undergoes an evaluation by the IJEMAL editor. The editor assesses its alignment with the journal's focus and scope. Furthermore, the paper's structure and formatting are examined based on the journal's Author Guidelines to ensure it includes all necessary sections and adheres to stylistic requirements. Additionally, an appraisal of the paper's minimum quality for publication is initiated at this stage, which encompasses an evaluation of any major methodological issues. Following this stage, every submitted paper that meets these criteria will be subjected to a plagiarism check using Turnitin before being sent for peer review.
3. The Editor-in-Chief of IJEMAL evaluates whether the paper aligns with the journal, possesses ample originality, holds interest, and bears significance for publication. If it does not meet these criteria, the paper might be declined without proceeding to further review.
4. The handling editor of IJEMAL extends invitations to individuals considered suitable reviewers (often referred to as referees). This selection is based on their expertise, alignment with the subject matter, and the absence of any conflict of interest. The peer-review process at IJEMAL enlists a panel of experts in the scope of the Indonesian Journal of Educational Management and Leadership. These reviewers are not only qualified but also capable of conducting impartial assessments. This impartiality is diligently maintained through the utilization of a double-blind peer-review system. Consequently, the reviewer is unaware of the author's identity, and conversely, the author remains unaware of the reviewer's identity. As such, the paper is transmitted to reviewers without revealing the author's details.
5. When potential reviewers receive an invitation, they evaluate it in the context of their own expertise, potential conflicts of interest, and their current availability. Based on this assessment, they make a decision to either accept or decline the invitation. It's important to note that in the invitation sent by the editor of IJEMAL, if a potential reviewer declines to review the paper, they may also be asked for recommendations of an alternative reviewer.
6. The reviewers dedicated time to thoroughly examine the paper on multiple occasions. The first reading is aimed at creating an initial assessment of the paper. If significant issues are identified during this stage, the reviewers may decide to reject the paper without further evaluation. However, if no major problems are detected, they conduct several additional readings, making detailed notes for a comprehensive point-by-point review. Subsequently, they submit the review to IJEMAL, along with a recommendation to either accept the paper, reject it, or request revisions (categorized as major or minor). The paper is then reevaluated based on this feedback.
7. The Editor-in-Chief and handling editor considers all the returned reviews before making an overall decision. If the reviews differ widely between both reviewers, the handling editor may invite an additional reviewer so as to obtain an extra opinion before making a decision.
8. If the paper is accepted, it proceeds to the copy-editing phase. In cases where the article is declined or requires significant or minor revisions, the handling editor will provide the author with valuable feedback from the reviewers to facilitate enhancements to the article. The author is expected to make necessary corrections and modifications in accordance with the reviewers' comments and guidelines.
9. Upon completing the revisions, the author should re-submit the revised manuscript to the editor. If the paper was returned for revisions, the reviewers can anticipate receiving the updated version, unless they have chosen not to participate further. In cases where only minor modifications were requested, the handling editor might conduct the follow-up review. If the editor is satisfied with the revised paper, it will be deemed accepted. Accepted papers will be published online and will be accessible to all as downloadable PDF files.

All correspondence concerning manuscripts should be directed to the Editor of Indonesian Journal of Educational Management and Leadership Journal and cc to journalijemal@gmail.com. The Editor will direct all correspondence to the lead author; the lead author is responsible for sharing communications with other authors. Beyond communication concerning the review, manuscripts accepted for publication may require additional correspondence to complete copyediting and layout editing.