MOLEKUL is a peer-reviewed journal in chemistry that encompasses all branches of chemistry and its sub-disciplines, including Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Biological Activities of Synthetic Drugs, Environmental Chemistry, Biochemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Petroleum Chemistry, and Agricultural Chemistry. The following statement clarifies the ethical behavior of all parties involved in the publication process of this journal, including authors, editors, reviewers, and the publisher (Department of Chemistry, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, Purwokerto, Indonesia). This statement is based on COPE’s Best Practice Guidelines for Journal Editors.

Duties of Authors

1. Reporting Standards:
   Authors should present an accurate account of the original research performed, as well as an objective discussion of its significance. Research results should be reported honestly, without fabrication, falsification, or inappropriate data manipulation. A manuscript should contain sufficient detail and references to permit others to replicate the work. Fraudulent or knowingly inaccurate statements constitute unethical behavior and are unacceptable. Manuscripts must follow the journal’s submission guidelines.
2. Originality and Plagiarism:
   Authors must ensure that their work is entirely original. Manuscripts should not be submitted concurrently to more than one journal unless co-publication has been agreed upon by the editors. Relevant previous work, including the authors’ own publications, must be properly cited. Any direct quotations must be clearly indicated with quotation marks and appropriate citations.
3. Multiple, Redundant, or Concurrent Publications:
   Authors should not submit the same manuscript to more than one journal concurrently. Redundant publication or publication of substantially similar research in multiple journals is considered unethical. Multiple publications arising from a single research project must be clearly identified, with the primary publication appropriately referenced.
4. Acknowledgement of Sources:
   Authors must properly acknowledge all sources of data and influential publications used in the research. Proper citation of others’ work is mandatory.
5. Authorship of the Paper:
   Authorship should reflect significant contributions to the conception, design, execution, or interpretation of the study. All contributors who meet these criteria should be listed as authors, while those with lesser contributions should be acknowledged separately. All authors must approve the final manuscript and agree to its submission.
6. Disclosure and Conflicts of Interest:
   Authors must disclose any financial or other conflicts of interest that could influence the research outcomes or interpretation. All sources of financial support must be declared.
7. Fundamental Errors in Published Works:
   If a significant error or inaccuracy is discovered, authors must promptly notify the editor and cooperate in correcting or retracting the manuscript.
8. Hazards and Human or Animal Subjects:
   Authors must clearly identify any unusual hazards associated with chemicals, procedures, or equipment used in the study.

Duties of Editors

1. Publication Decisions:
   Editors decide to accept, reject, or request revisions based on peer-review evaluations and the manuscript’s relevance and scientific merit. Editors are responsible for maintaining the integrity of the published record and ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.
2. Review of Manuscripts:
   Editors must ensure that manuscripts are evaluated fairly for originality and quality, using qualified reviewers without conflicts of interest.
3. Fair Play:
   Manuscripts must be evaluated solely on intellectual merit without discrimination based on personal characteristics of the authors.
4. Confidentiality:
   Editors must maintain the confidentiality of submitted manuscripts and ensure proper protection of sensitive data.
5. Disclosure and Conflicts of Interest:
   Editors must not use unpublished material for personal research and should recuse themselves from decisions involving conflicts of interest.

Duties of Reviewers

1. Confidentiality:
   Reviewers must treat all manuscript information as confidential.
2. Acknowledgement of Sources:
   Reviewers should ensure proper citation of prior work and report any suspected ethical issues to the editor.
3. Standards of Objectivity:
   Reviews must be objective, constructive, and supported by clear arguments.
4. Disclosure and Conflict of Interest:
   Reviewers must not use privileged information for personal advantage and should decline reviews where conflicts exist.
5. Promptness:
   Reviewers must complete reviews within the agreed timeframe or notify the editor if delays occur.