About the Journal

The Journal of Government and Civil Society (JGCS) (p-ISSN: 2579-4396, e-ISSN: 2579-440X) aims to disseminate conceptual thoughts, theoretical frameworks, and empirical research findings accomplished in the field of Government Science and Public Governance.

While rooted in the Indonesian academic landscape, JGCS particularly welcomes international submissions, comparative analyses, and regional case studies that offer globally relevant insights grounded in local contexts. The journal aspires to serve as a distinguished platform for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers from around the world to advance inclusive, participatory, and accountable governance.

Focus & Scope

1. Local and Innovative Government

Explores how local governments leverage technological advancements, participatory models, and community-centered approaches to improve governance, public service delivery, and regional development. Key topics include smart governance, public policy innovation, decentralization dynamics, and urban-rural resilience.

2. Democracy and Civil Society

Examines how civil society actors—including non-governmental organizations (NGOs), grassroots movements, and citizen associations—promote democratic values, social inclusion, ecological protection, and collaborative governance. Key topics include civic participation, political education, social movements, and environmental justice.

Rigorous Double-Blind Peer Review

JGCS implements a strict Double-Blind Peer Review protocol where both reviewer and author identities remain concealed throughout the evaluation process. Authors must ensure their manuscript file contains no self-identifying information. Every submission is independently evaluated by at least two expert peer reviewers.

Editorial Integrity: Editorial decisions are driven strictly by scientific rigor, methodological validity, and peer-reviewer recommendations, completely independent of financial contributions or board affiliations.

Editorial Decision Outcomes:

1. Accept Submission The manuscript is accepted for publication without further revisions.

2. Revisions Required The manuscript will be accepted after minor editorial/authorial revisions.

3. Resubmit for Review Requires significant revisions and must undergo a second round of peer review.

4. Decline Submission The manuscript does not meet quality thresholds or journal scope.

Publication Frequency & Workflow Timeline

The Journal of Government and Civil Society (JGCS) is published biannually in April (Issue 1) and October (Issue 2). The typical timeline from submission to final publication decision spans approximately 12 weeks.

Publishing Workflow Stage	Issue 1 (April Publication)	Issue 2 (October Publication)
1. Article Submission Period	November – March	May – August
2. Peer Review Process	January – March	July – September
3. Author Revisions & Copyediting	February – April	August – October

Editorial Inquiries: For questions regarding journal scope, submission timelines, or review workflows, please contact our editorial secretariat at jgs@umt.ac.id .