International Journal Workshop and Clinic 2025: Strategies for Publishing in Reputable Journals
In an effort to improve the quality of scientific publications by lecturers and researchers, Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII) held the 2025 International Journal Workshop and Clinic on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at the DPPM UII Meeting Room. The event featured two prominent experts in scientific publishing: Dr. Indri Dwi Aprilliyanti from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and Ganjar Fadillah, Ph.D., Editor-in-Chief of the Indonesian Journal of Chemical Analysis (IJCA) and a member of Stanford University’s list of the world’s top 2% scientists.

The Importance of Patience and “Divine Pathways” in Scientific Publishing
The event was officially opened by Prof. Ir. Eko Siswoyo, S.T., M.Sc.ES., Ph.D., IPU, representing the Vice Rector for Academic Development and Research, Prof. Dr. Jaka Nugraha, S.Si., M.Si., who was unable to attend. In his opening remarks, Prof. Eko emphasized that publishing in reputable international journals requires a high degree of patience.

“Rejection is common. In addition to hard work, there’s also a ‘luck factor’ we must pursue, including prayer as a form of what I call ‘divine pathways’,” he said.

The workshop was moderated by Prof. Dr. rer. soc. Masduki, S.Ag., M.Si., who guided discussions on various strategies for writing international journal articles, including data quality, methodological rigor, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI).

Avoid Broad Topics and Unfocused Approaches
Dr. Indri Dwi Aprilliyanti, author of several Q1 Scopus-indexed articles, discussed common challenges faced by researchers when starting their studies.

“Many fall into the trap of choosing topics that are too broad without a clear focus, making it difficult to position their research within the existing literature,” she explained.

She warned that case-based approaches without clear research questions can lead to irrelevant findings.

“Identifying a phenomenon alone is not enough. You must narrow it down,” Indri asserted.

She outlined systematic steps for developing research ideas, including identifying current trends and different types of research gaps: theoretical, empirical, knowledge-based, and phenomenon-based.

Common Reasons for Rejection and Tips for Reviewers
Dr. Indri also shared some of the most common reasons manuscripts are rejected, including:

1. Topic is too broad or too narrow
2. Unclear research contribution
3. Weak theoretical foundation
4. Overly descriptive analysis
5. Vague or unsubstantiated claims of contribution

As an experienced reviewer, she also offered practical tips:

“When reviewing a manuscript, ask yourself: What’s the most interesting point? Why would this paper be rejected? If I had to cut 40% of the content, what would I keep?”

Choose Engaging Topics and Utilize AI
Ganjar Fadillah, Ph.D., the second speaker, highlighted the importance of selecting topics that capture readers’ attention.

“The title and keywords must be strong. Use software tools to track current research trends,” he advised.

He demonstrated various tools for data processing and complex analysis that can significantly improve the quality of research.

“High-quality publications take time. AI can help speed up the writing process, but originality must never be compromised,” he noted.

Coaching Clinic: Hands-On Practice with Experts
Following the presentation sessions, participants joined a coaching clinic on article writing, guided directly by Ganjar Fadillah, Prof. Masduki, and Dr. Jaya Addin Linando, S.E., MBA. This session provided a valuable opportunity for participants to receive feedback and consultation on their manuscript drafts.

(Wid.HP)

UII Launches Indonesia’s First University-Based Elderly School
KOTAGEDE, Yogyakarta – Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII), in collaboration with the National Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN) of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY), officially launched the first university-based elderly school in Indonesia. The launching ceremony was held at the Public Green Open Space (RTHP) Bumen RW 06, Purbayan Subdistrict, Kotagede District, Yogyakarta City, on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.

This Elderly School was established as a solution for the more than 1,000 elderly residents living in Purbayan, including 58 seniors requiring regular assistance for long-term care. The symbolic inauguration was marked by the presentation of ceremonial sashes to two elderly students by UII Rector Fathul Wahid and Muhammad Iqbal Apriansyah, SH, MPH, Head of BKKBN DIY.

UII Becomes Pioneer of University-Based Elderly School
In his remarks, UII Rector Fathul Wahid emphasized that the establishment of this elderly school reflects the university’s commitment to understanding social issues and potentials within the community.

“Elderly people want to remain independent and not be a burden to others. With a supportive ecosystem, everyone can age gracefully, feeling cared for,” said Fathul.

He also highlighted the importance of social interaction for the elderly. Sharing a personal experience from his time living in Bandung, he recounted how he frequently visited his landlady just for a chat.

“I didn’t bring any gifts, yet I was always sent home with food and snacks. Elderly people need someone to talk to,” he added.

BKKBN Support and Hopes for Nationwide Replication
Head of BKKBN DIY, Muhammad Iqbal Apriansyah, stated that Sekolah Lansia Maharani is the first elderly school in Indonesia to be run by a university and expressed hope that it could serve as a national model.

“There are already 16 elderly schools in DIY funded by state and regional budgets, and community initiatives. However, this is the first initiated by a university, located in Kalurahan Purbayan. We plan to promote this model for nationwide implementation,” said Iqbal.

He explained that the school curriculum consists of 12 learning modules delivered in 12 sessions, typically held once a month. Through this program, elderly participants have the opportunity to engage with peers, especially since many of them experience loneliness at home due to the busy lives of their children and grandchildren.

“From previous experiences with other elderly schools, we’ve seen very positive changes. Participants become more cheerful, talkative, and open. Physically, they are more active too, especially through sessions like elderly-friendly exercise classes,” he noted.

Thematic KKN Expo and UII Students’ Role in Elderly Empowerment
The launching of Sekolah Lansia Maharani also coincided with the Thematic KKN Expo on Integrated Elderly Care Services (LLT), part of UII’s community service programs in celebration of its 82nd anniversary.

Fathul shared that UII’s Thematic KKN has reached over 100 villages in six to seven regencies across Central Java and Yogyakarta. In this program, students are not only educators but also community partners who identify local potentials and challenges to design sustainable solutions.

“We always regard villages as partners, not as passive beneficiaries. Our goal is to grow together by understanding and supporting their strengths and needs,” he said.

A Vision for the Future of Elderly Education
The launch of Sekolah Lansia Maharani marks UII’s initial step in creating an elderly-friendly ecosystem. With ongoing support from higher education institutions and the government, it is hoped that similar schools can be established across Indonesia.

“We hope this school becomes a model for other regions. Since we will all become elderly someday, it is vital to prepare a caring and supportive environment,” concluded Fathul.

Through Sekolah Lansia Maharani, it is hoped that the elderly in Purbayan and surrounding areas will have access to meaningful learning, social engagement, and improved quality of life in their golden years.

(Widodo)

Photo Caption:
Ceremonial presentation of sashes to two elderly representatives of Sekolah Lansia Maharani by UII Rector, marking the official launch (Photo: Widodo)