Dr Dwi Mariyono discusses the benefits of publishing in an open access journal

Author: Dr Dwi Mariyono, Faculty of Islamic Religion, Universitas Islam Malang, Malang, Indonesia
Article: Multicultural values: meeting point of two forces in developing Islamic education

In this interview, Dr Dwi Mariyono talks about his research, what led him to submit to Quality Education for All and the benefits of publishing open access.

What is your research about? 

Research with the title: "Multicultural values: meeting point of two forces in developing Islamic education" not only promotes Islamic educational institutions but also delves deeply into the intersection of entrepreneurial and multicultural values. It highlights the synergy between entrepreneurial traits such as courage, responsibility, trust, honesty, and innovation, and multicultural principles such as honesty, empathy, and social responsibility. These values are intrinsically linked and mutually reinforcing, serving as foundational pillars for shaping a sustainable and globally relevant education landscape.

The primary aim of this study is to explore the integration of entrepreneurial spirit with multicultural values in Islamic education, particularly within the unique ecosystem of pesantrens. It seeks to uncover how this integration influences educational practices, fosters character development, and equips learners to navigate complex and diverse global challenges.

By addressing this critical convergence, the research offers valuable insights into creating holistic educational systems that balance tradition with innovation, nurture ethical leadership, and cultivate inclusive communities. Its findings serve as a blueprint for educators, policymakers, and thought leaders worldwide, demonstrating how Islamic education, rooted in these dual values, can inspire a new generation of socially responsible, innovative, and culturally aware individuals who are prepared to contribute meaningfully to a rapidly evolving world.

Why does this research matter, and what impact could this research have?

The entrepreneurial spirit approach in multicultural Islamic education, particularly in pesantrens, holds profound significance for fostering business acumen, ethical character, and social responsibility among the younger generation. This research highlights the critical role of integrating entrepreneurial values with the principles of multicultural Islamic education to nurture innovative, ethical, and inclusive future leaders.

From a theoretical perspective, this study reinforces the necessity of embedding Islamic values within culturally diverse educational contexts to provide a robust moral and ethical foundation. Practically, it underscores the importance of designing educational strategies that equip students with entrepreneurial skills and social competence, preparing them to thrive in a dynamic global environment.

Socially, the research advocates for inclusive education that honours and harmonises cultural, religious, and societal diversity, contributing to a more cohesive and tolerant society. The novelty lies in the innovative integration of entrepreneurial approaches with multicultural Islamic values, presenting a transformative and inclusive framework for Islamic education in pesantrens.

These findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and community leaders, encouraging the adoption of holistic educational practices that align with both local cultural contexts and global demands. Future research should further examine the long-term impacts of entrepreneurial education on character-building, innovation, and social responsibility within multicultural Islamic educational institutions.

This research provides a compelling blueprint for reimagining Islamic education, bridging tradition with innovation, and fostering a generation of leaders equipped to navigate and contribute meaningfully to an interconnected world.

What led you to submit to this journal? (Especially with it being new, no rankings, etc.)

Initially, we had some reservations about submitting to this journal, given its status as a relatively new platform with no established rankings. However, after thoroughly reviewing the journal's aim and scope and exploring the insights provided on the journal's dashboard, we became convinced that this is the ideal venue to share our research with the world.

The journal’s commitment to “quality education for all” resonates deeply with the essence of our study, which explores multicultural values as the meeting point of two forces in developing Islamic education. This alignment underscores the journal’s potential to serve as a catalyst for advancing global discussions on inclusive education that bridges cultural, religious, and societal divides.

By contributing to this journal, we aim to shed light on the transformative power of multicultural values in shaping ethical, innovative, and inclusive educational systems, particularly in the context of Islamic education. We believe that this journal’s dedication to publishing meaningful and impactful research aligns perfectly with our aspiration to inspire the global academic community, educators, and policymakers to reimagine education as a force for unity and progress.

Through this submission, we hope to elevate the discourse around multiculturalism and education on an international stage, affirming the journal’s role as a pioneer in amplifying diverse voices and perspectives that can redefine the future of education.

Most notable and remarkable is the role of the editors in “Quality Education for All". The guidance and advice provided is not only very clear, but also delivered with warmth and respect, embodying a problem-solving approach that values researchers and their work. This level of professionalism and care, I think, is truly remarkable and an inspiring example of how editors should act as teachers in academic publishing.

How important was publishing Open Access for you?

Publishing Open Access (OA) is critically important for disseminating groundbreaking findings to the world. OA serves as a gateway to mapping uncharted areas of knowledge and fostering global collaboration, ensuring that valuable research reaches a diverse and expansive audience without barriers.  

However, we recognise the challenges associated with OA publishing, particularly regarding Article Processing Charges (APCs). While APCs provide opportunities for well-funded researchers to publish their work, they inadvertently create a privilege gap, leaving independent researchers and those with limited financial resources underrepresented. This disparity is concerning, as emerging and independent researchers often contribute unique and innovative perspectives that deserve global attention.  

To address this issue, it is crucial to explore collaborative solutions with funding bodies, institutions, and journals to mitigate or minimise the financial burden of OA publishing. Such efforts would ensure equitable access and representation, empowering researchers from all backgrounds to share their insights and discoveries with the world.  
In this context, we strongly advocate for an inclusive OA model that prioritises accessibility and equity, in line with the fundamental goal of “Quality Education for All” to advance knowledge and drive meaningful impact across disciplines and geographies.

How did you find out the journal?

Our journey to find this journal started with a simple yet inspiring moment on the platform "LinkedIn". We stumbled upon a post highlighting the journal, which sparked our curiosity. Intrigued, we delved deeper by exploring its presence on Emerald's platform.

As we navigated through its pages, we found ourselves drawn to a Call for Papers that was presented with remarkable clarity and an inviting tone. The welcoming and well-articulated explanation of the journal’s aims and scope resonated deeply with our research aspirations. It became evident that this journal was not just a publication outlet but a platform committed to fostering impactful discussions and advancing knowledge globally.

This seamless and engaging discovery process reinforced our belief that the journal provides an exceptional avenue for sharing research that inspires and influences the international academic community. It exemplifies how digital platforms and thoughtful communication can bridge researchers to journals aligned with their mission to contribute meaningfully to the world.

Have you seen any benefit from publishing OA, especially with the amount of downloads your article has received?

The most profound benefit of publishing Open Access (OA) lies in the confidence it instills that our research is making a meaningful contribution to the dissemination of knowledge. Knowing that our work is accessible to a global audience not only validates our efforts but also fuels our motivation to continue exploring new frontiers in research.

Beyond this personal and professional fulfillment, publishing OA has opened unexpected doors of opportunity. We have received invitations to author research articles for prominent publishers, offers to serve as reviewers, and even the honor of assuming editorial roles. Perhaps most inspiring, it has fostered connections with fellow researchers worldwide, leading to proposals for collaborative projects that transcend geographical boundaries.

These experiences affirm the transformative power of OA in amplifying the reach and impact of research, creating a ripple effect that inspires and empowers the global academic community. It is not just about downloads or metrics—it is about building networks, fostering innovation, and collectively advancing the frontiers of knowledge for the betterment of society.
 

 I, Dr. Dwi Mariyono, respond to the questions posed with complete objectivity, free from any intention of seeking special privileges or advancing hidden agendas. My answers are grounded in integrity and a commitment to contribute meaningfully to academic and global discourse.

Greetings and respect from us,
Dr. Dwi Mariyono