Generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, and Claude, can support scholarly work but also carry risks. This policy sets out how authors, reviewers, and editors of Widyakara Journal may use them. It follows the COPE position statement on authorship and AI tools and the 2026 national journal accreditation guidelines.

In brief. AI may assist, but people remain fully accountable. AI cannot be an author. Authors disclose any use. Reviewers do not use AI in reviewing. Unpublished manuscripts are never uploaded to AI tools.

1. Policy for Authors

1.1 Accountability and authorship

• Authors are fully responsible for the whole manuscript, including any part produced with AI assistance, and check every AI output and every reference against the original source.
• AI tools are not listed or cited as authors.

1.2 Permitted uses (with disclosure)

• Language editing, proofreading, and translation of the authors' own text.
• Brainstorming and outlining.
• Searching for and organising literature, with every source verified.
• Help with code or formulas for analysis, with the results checked by the authors.

1.3 Prohibited uses

• Submitting AI-generated text as the authors' own analysis or argument without substantial human revision.
• Generating or altering data, results, transcripts, quotations, or survey responses.
• Generating references.
• Creating or manipulating images presented as data.
• Uploading identifiable participant data to AI tools without consent and ethics approval for that use.

1.4 Disclosure

Every manuscript includes a Declaration of Generative AI Use stating the tool and version, how and why it was used, and how the output was checked. If no AI was used: "The authors did not use generative AI tools in the preparation of this manuscript." Spelling checkers and reference managers need not be declared.

Example. "During the preparation of this manuscript, the authors used ChatGPT (GPT-4o, OpenAI) to improve the language of the Introduction. The authors reviewed and edited all output and take full responsibility for the content. No AI tool was used to generate data, analyse data, or produce references."

2. Policy for Reviewers

• Reviewers do not use generative AI to analyse, assess, summarise, or write comments on a manuscript.
• Reviewers do not upload a manuscript, or any part of it, to an AI tool.
• Reviewers who suspect undisclosed AI use tell the editor in their confidential comments.

3. Policy for Editors

• Editors do not upload unpublished manuscripts, reviews, or decision letters to generative AI tools, and do not use AI to make or justify decisions.
• AI-detection results are not proof of AI use. Authors are given a chance to explain before any action is taken.

4. Handling Breaches

• Explanation: authors are asked to explain and provide evidence within 14 days (under review) or 30 days (published).
• Action: acceptable but undisclosed use requires a declaration or a correction; prohibited use leads to rejection or retraction and may be handled under Research Misconduct. Reviewers or editors who breach this policy are removed from the reviewer database or editorial team.

Sources: COPE (2023) Authorship and AI tools; Direktorat Jenderal Sains dan Teknologi (2026) Keputusan Nomor 374/DST/D.D1/HM.01.01/2026; ICMJE (2024) Recommendations.