•  
  •  
 

Information for Authors

Who Can Submit?

Anyone may submit an original article to be considered for publication in Buletin Konseling Inovatif provided he or she owns the copyright to the work being submitted or is authorized by the copyright owner or owners to submit the article.

{ top }

Types of Articles

The journal seeks to publish four types of contributions in the form of original articles, short communications, reviews, and mini reviews.

  • Original articles: Articles which represent in-depth research in various scientific disciplines.
  • Short communications: Should be complete manuscripts of significant importance. However, their length and/or depth do not justify a full-length paper. The total number of figures and tables should not exceed 4. The number of words should be ≤ 3,000.
  • Review articles: Contain unstructured abstract and include up-to-date references. Meta-analyses are considered as reviews.
  • Mini reviews: These are reviews of important and recent topics that are presented in a concise and well-focused manner. The number of words is limited to 5,000.

{ top }

Before Submission

Please make sure that your manuscript meets the following criteria:

  • Your manuscript is an original work and has not been published or is currently under review with another journal or conference proceedings.
  • Your work complies with all research ethics standards. If the study involves human or animal subjects, the manuscript should include a separate section titled Ethics Approval.
  • The manuscript is written in acceptable English and is free of grammatical and spelling errors.
  • The manuscript is formatted according to the Buletin Konseling Inovatif template (Manuscript Template).
  • All figures are of acceptable quality and uploaded as separate files.
  • References are correctly formatted and numbered according to their order of appearance in the text. Please ensure the reference style is followed.
  • Only manuscripts of sufficient quality that align with the aims and scope of the journal will proceed to the review stage.
  • Manuscripts must comply with the journal's guidelines outlined below.

Submissions that do not adhere to these guidelines may be rejected or returned to the author before entering the peer review process.

{ top }

Online Submission

Manuscripts should be submitted by one of the authors, as only one corresponding author is allowed per manuscript. Submission must be completed through the online system by following the on-screen instructions. Only Word files (.doc, .docx, .rtf) are accepted. Submissions by individuals who are not listed as one of the authors will not be considered.

The submitting author is responsible for the manuscript throughout the submission and peer review process. If, for technical reasons, submission via the website is not possible, please contact buseli.fip@um.ac.id for assistance.

{ top }

Initial Evaluation

All submitted manuscripts will be checked by the Editorial Office to ensure they are properly prepared and comply with the ethical policies of the journal. All manuscripts are screened for potential plagiarism using Turnitin, with a maximum similarity threshold of 20%. Manuscripts that fail to meet the journal’s ethical standards or formatting guidelines will be rejected before entering the peer review process.

Manuscripts that are incomplete or not prepared according to the required style will be returned to the authors without scientific review. After these initial checks, the Editorial Office will consult the Editor-in-Chief to evaluate whether the manuscript fits the scope of the journal and whether it is scientifically sound. Manuscripts deemed to have insufficient priority for publication will be promptly rejected. These decisions are subject to verification by the Editor-in-Chief.

Authors may submit their manuscripts in Bahasa Indonesia, but please note that all accepted articles will be published in English.

Please ensure that your manuscript is written in clear and grammatically correct English (American usage is accepted). The Editor reserves the right to reject a manuscript based on insufficient language quality.

{ top }

Submission Declaration and Verification

Submission of an article implies that the work described has not been published previously (except in the form of an abstract, a published lecture, or an academic thesis), that it is not under consideration for publication elsewhere, that its publication is approved by all authors and tacitly or explicitly by the responsible authorities where the work was carried out.

{ top }

Manuscript Preparation Guidelines

All papers published by Buletin Konseling Inovatif is on english. Indonesia authors can send manuscripts in Indonesian. If the manuscript is accepted, then the manuscript shall be translated into English. Authors are recommended to use the following professional English Translation Services. The length of submitted paper is at least 8 pages and no more than 10 pages (including references). Editors will evaluate if a paper is needing more than 10 pages. Use of a reference tool such as Mendeley, End Note, or Zotero for reference management and formatting, and choose APA 6th edition.

Manuscript submitted to this journal should follow the heading below, except for the review article: Title; Authors Name; Authors Affiliation; Abstract; Keywords; Introduction; Methods; Results and Discussion; Conclusions; Author Contributions; Funding; Declaration of Conflicting Interests; Acknowledgments (optional); and References.

1. Title
This is your opportunity to attract the reader’s attention. Remember that readers are the potential authors who will cite your article. Identify the main issue of the paper. Begin with the subject of the paper. The title should be accurate, unambiguous, specific, and complete. Do not contain infrequently-used abbreviations. Number of word in title is no more than 20 words.

2. Authors name and affiliation
Write Author(s) names without title and professional positions such as Prof, Dr, Production Manager, etc. Do not abbreviate your last/family name. Always give your First and Last names. If you have one word name such as Laksana, write Laksana Laksana. Write clear affiliation of all Authors. Affiliation includes: name of department/unit, (faculty), name of university, address, country. Please indicate Corresponding Author (include email address) behind the name. The journal can only accommodate one corresponding author per submission.

3. Abstract
The abstract should be clear, concise, and descriptive. This abstract should provide a brief introduction to the problem, objective of paper, followed by a statement regarding the methodology and a brief summary of results. The abstract should end with a comment on the significance of the results or a brief conclusion. An abstract should stand alone, means that no citation in the abstract. An abstract should be written in one paragraph and not more than 250 words.

4. Keywords
Maximum of 5 keywords, crucial to the appropriate indexing of the papers, are to be given.

5. Introduction
A well-crafted introduction should guide the reader toward understanding the significance and novelty of the research without discussing the results or presenting an exhaustive literature review. Specifically, the introduction must include the following key elements: (1) Background of the study: This part introduces the broader context or real-world problem that motivates the research. It briefly outlines the current issue or phenomenon and emphasizes why it deserves scholarly attention. The background should be concise, ideally limited to one paragraph. (2) Rationale of the study: This part elaborates on the scientific and practical reasons for conducting the research. It may highlight unresolved problems, inadequacies in existing solutions, or the need for a new approach. The rationale should logically lead to the research focus and signal the value the study adds to the field. (3) Literature review: Provide a brief review of relevant previous studies. Rather than discussing each study individually (author by author), group the literature thematically, by method, topic, or findings. Highlight key trends, identify dominant approaches, and note their limitations. Avoid detailed discussion; focus only on key points that position your study in the existing body of knowledge. (4) Gap analysis: This part identifies the limitations, underexplored areas, or methodological weaknesses in previous research that the current study seeks to address. A typical sentence might be: “While numerous studies have examined X, few have addressed Y in the context of Z. Therefore, this study aims to fill this gap by…” The gap analysis justifies the study’s novelty and establishes its contribution to the field. (5) Purpose of the study: Clearly state the research objective(s) at the end of the introduction. Use direct and declarative language such as: “The objective of this study is to…” or “This study aims to investigate…” This statement should align with the research gap and guide the structure of the subsequent sections.

6. Method
This section describes how the study was conducted, providing sufficient detail to ensure replicability and to demonstrate methodological rigor. Each part should be written clearly and concisely, focusing on transparency and coherence. The method section must include the following key elements: (1) Study Design: Explain the overall design of the study (e.g., experimental, quasi-experimental, correlational, survey, case study). Include the type of approach (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods) and justify the choice based on the research objectives. (2) Participants: Provide details about the individuals involved in the study, including the number of participants, their demographic characteristics (e.g., age, gender, educational background), and relevant inclusion or exclusion criteria. This helps clarify the scope and representativeness of the sample. (3) Target Population and Sampling Techniques: Describe the broader population from which the sample was drawn. Explain the sampling method (e.g., random sampling, stratified sampling, purposive sampling) and provide a rationale for its appropriateness in relation to the study’s goals. (4) Instruments (including sample items, scoring procedures, and psychometric details such as validity and reliability): List all instruments or tools used for data collection. Include sample items, scoring procedures, and any scales employed. Report psychometric properties such as validity (e.g., content, construct) and reliability (e.g., Cronbach’s alpha, inter-rater reliability), with references to prior studies or the current study's validation process. (5) Measurement Tools: Describe any measurement or assessment tools that are distinct from survey instruments, such as observation protocols, performance tests, rubrics, or standardized instruments. Specify what each tool measured and how data were recorded or scored. (6) Research Procedures and Timeline (if applicable): Detail the sequence of research activities, including data collection phases, interventions (if any), and other key procedural steps. If relevant, include a timeline or duration of each phase, especially in longitudinal or multi-stage studies. (7) Data Analysis Strategy (include statistical tests used and types of comparisons; standard methods need no justification, while advanced techniques should be supported with citations): Outline the statistical or qualitative analysis methods used to answer the research questions. For quantitative studies, specify the statistical tests conducted (e.g., t-test, ANOVA, regression analysis), the software used, and any assumptions tested. For advanced or uncommon methods, provide citations. For qualitative studies, describe the coding procedures, analytical frameworks, or software tools used.

7. Results and Discussion
This section presents the findings of the study and interprets them in relation to the research questions, relevant literature, and broader educational implications. It should demonstrate both analytical depth and scholarly engagement. The results and discussion section must include the following key elements: (1) Results: Present the key findings of the study in a clear, logical, and concise manner. Use tables, figures, or charts where appropriate to support the data presentation. Focus on answering the research questions or testing the hypotheses without interpreting the results, interpretation belongs in the Discussion section. Only include findings that are relevant to the study’s objectives. (2) Discussion: Interpret and explain the significance of the results in the context of previous research and theoretical frameworks. Highlight consistencies or discrepancies with prior studies and provide possible explanations for the observed outcomes. Discuss how the findings contribute to the field, address the research gap, or offer new insights. Avoid simply restating results; instead, engage in critical analysis and scholarly reflection. (3) Implications: Describe the practical, theoretical, or policy-related implications of the findings. Explain how the study contributes to counseling practices. Emphasize how the research aligns with SDG 10 and adds value to both counseling theory and practice beyond the academic setting. (4) Limitations: Acknowledge any limitations in the study design, methodology, or scope that may affect the generalizability or validity of the findings. Be honest yet constructive; discussing limitations strengthens the credibility of the study and signals areas for improvement. (5) Suggestions: Offer specific, actionable recommendations based on the findings. These may include directions for future research, improvements in educational practice, or recommendations for stakeholders (e.g., teachers, policymakers, curriculum developers). Suggestions should logically follow from the study’s results and limitations.

Section Heading
Authors are allowed to use headings up to Level 3 only. Please structure your manuscript clearly and consistently using hierarchical headings to enhance readability and logical flow. The use of more than three levels of subheadings is not permitted

Table
Tables are sequentially numbered with the table title and number above the table. Tables should be centered in the column OR on the page. Tables are referred in the text by the table number. eg: Table 1. Do not show vertical line in the table. There is only horizontal line should be shown within the table. A manuscript may contain a maximum of 10 tables. Only include data in tables that are: (1) Essential for understanding the results, (2) Summarized and comparable (e.g., statistical values, experimental findings, coded responses), (3) Better interpreted visually in a structured format rather than text. Avoid placing in tables: (1) Raw data or overly detailed figures that could overwhelm the reader, (2) Descriptive content better presented as narrative, (3) Redundant information already discussed fully in the text. Tables should be clear, concise, and self-explanatory without needing to refer excessively to the main text.

Figure
Figures are sequentially numbered commencing at 1 with the figure title and number below the figure as shown in Figure 1. Detailed recommendations for figures are as follows: (1) Ensure that figures are clear and legible with typed letterings, (2) Black & white or colored figures are allowed, (3) Hard copy illustrations should, preferably, be scanned and included in the electronic version of the submission in an appropriate format as follows: BMP; WMF; EPS; Microsoft Graph; Microsoft Draw. A manuscript may contain a maximum of 5 figures.

Bullets
Bulleted and numbered lists should be avoided within the body text. Authors are encouraged to present information in the form of descriptive paragraphs to ensure better narrative flow and coherence throughout the manuscript.

Equations
Equations should be numbered serially within parentheses as shown in Equation (1). Equation should be prepared using MS Equation Editor (not in image format). The equation number is to be placed at the extreme right side.

Units, Abbreviations and Symbols
Metric units are preferred. Define abbreviations and symbols at the first time as they are introduced in the text. Definition of symbols should be presented in paragraph form, not as list bulleted.

8. Conclusion
The main conclusion(s) of the study should be presented in a short conclusion statement highlighting the goals of the study and its importance. State new hypotheses when warranted. Include recommendations when appropriate. Conclusion shall be written in a paragraph. Do not repeat the Abstract, or just list experimental results.

9. Author Contributions
For transparency, we encourage authors to submit an author statement file outlining their individual contributions to the paper using the relevant CRediT roles: Conceptualization; Data curation; Formal analysis; Funding acquisition; Investigation; Methodology; Project administration; Resources; Software; Supervision; Validation; Visualization; Roles/Writing - original draft; Writing - review & editing. Authorship statements should be formatted with the names of authors first and CRediT role(s) following. Sample: Zhang San: Conceptualization, Methodology, Software. Priya Singh: Data curation, Writing- Original draft preparation. Wang Wu: Visualization, Investigation. Jan Jansen: Supervision. Ajay Kumar: Software, Validation. Sun Qi: Writing- Reviewing and Editing.

10. Funding
You are requested to identify who provided financial support for the conduct of the research and/or preparation of the article and to briefly describe the role of the sponsor(s), if any, in study design; in the collection, analysis and interpretation of data; in the writing of the report; and in the decision to submit the article for publication. If the funding source(s) had no such involvement, it is recommended to state this.

11. Declaration of Conflicting Interests
All authors must disclose any financial and personal relationships with other people or organizations that could inappropriately influence (bias) their work. Examples of potential competing interests include employment, consultancies, stock ownership, honoraria, paid expert testimony, patent applications/registrations, and grants or other funding. Authors must disclose any interests in two places: 1. A summary declaration of interest statement in the title page file (if double anonymized) or the manuscript file (if single anonymized). If there are no interests to declare then please state this: 'Declarations of interest: none'. 2. Detailed disclosures as part of a separate Declaration of Interest form, which forms part of the journal's official records. It is important for potential interests to be declared in both places and that the information matches.

12. Data Availability
Explain where and how the data supporting the findings of this study can be accessed, including any repository links, digital object identifiers (DOIs), or specific access instructions. Indicate whether the data are openly available, available upon reasonable request, or subject to restrictions (e.g., due to privacy, ethical, or legal considerations). If the data are not publicly available, please provide a clear justification. Additionally, specify the type of data shared (e.g., raw data, processed data, analysis scripts), and ensure that all shared datasets are properly anonymized if they involve human participants.

13. Acknowledgment (optional)
Recognize those who helped in the research, especially funding supporter of your research. Include individuals who have assisted you in your study: Advisors, Financial supporters, or may other supporter i.e. Proofreaders, Typists, and Suppliers who may have given materials.

14. References
All references cited in the manuscript must be listed in the reference section and formatted consistently according to the journal’s citation style (APA 6th edition). The references should reflect the main scientific foundations of the research and consist only of sources the authors have read. We strongly advise all authors not to use secondary citations, such as citing "Author A (Year) in Author B (Year)," as this may compromise citation accuracy and scholarly credibility. Each manuscript must include a minimum of 20 references, with at least 85% drawn from peer-reviewed scientific journals published within the last ten years. While the use of textbooks should be minimized, citations from general websites must be avoided, unless they originate from credible scientific institutions or official data sources. Authors are required to provide DOIs or stable URLs for all references whenever available. To ensure scholarly integrity, excessive self-citation should be avoided, as well as excessive citations of publications from the same region, in order to maintain a balanced and globally relevant perspective. Although the use of reference management tools such as Zotero, Mendeley, or EndNote is encouraged, authors must manually verify all metadata, including author names, article titles, journal names, volume, issue, page numbers, and DOIs to ensure completeness and accuracy. Unnecessary inflation of references should be avoided.

{ top }

Revised Manuscript

The revised version of the manuscript should be submitted online in the same manner as the initial submission. However, there is no need to submit the “First Page” or “Covering Letter” file when submitting a revised version.

When submitting a revised manuscript, authors are required to include the referees’ comments along with a point-by-point response at the beginning of the document. Additionally, all changes made in the manuscript must be clearly highlighted in green so they are easily identifiable by the reviewers and editors.

Note: The revised manuscript must be submitted within a maximum of 2 months from the editorial decision date. Failure to do so may result in withdrawal of the manuscript from the review process.

{ top }

After Acceptance

Upon acceptance, your article will be exported to production to undergo typesetting. once the typesetting is complete, you will receive the proofs.

{ top }

Proof

One set of page proofs (as PDF files) will be sent by e-mail to the corresponding author. Please use this proof only for checking the typesetting, editing, completeness, and correctness of the text, tables, and figures. We will do our best to get your article published quickly and accurately. Therefore, we kindly expect the proofreading to be completed within 48 hours to ensure a smooth publication process. Note that the publisher may proceed with the publication of an article if no response is received.

{ top }

Supplementary Materials

Authors can publish online supplementary files along with their articles. Each supplementary file should include an article title, journal name, authors' names, affiliations, and email address of the corresponding author. supplementary files will be published as received from the authors without any conversion, editing, or reforming.

{ top }

Article Publishing Charge

This journal charges the following author charge.

Article Submission: 0.00 (IDR)
Authors are not required to pay an Article Submission Fee.

Article Publication Charge: 2,000,000.00 (IDR) (approximately USD 150)
If your paper is accepted for publication, you will be asked to pay an Article Publication Charge.

Waiver Policy
To promote inclusive academic participation and support researchers with limited access to funding, the journal offers a waiver policy for Article Publication Fee. Authors who are unable to pay the full fee due to financial constraints, particularly those from low-income countries or underfunded institutions may apply for a partial or full waiver.

Waiver requests must be submitted at the time of manuscript submission and will not affect the editorial decision. All requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and authors will be notified of the outcome prior to the initiation of the publication process.

Please note that not all waiver applications will be granted; approval is subject to the journal’s internal assessment and budget availability.

Refund Policy
The article publication fee is not refundable under any circumstance.

{ top }