Objectives: This study aims to assess the research productivity of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) academics in private universities in East Java, Indonesia, and to identify the challenges they face in publishing in indexed journals, including Scopus and reputable scientific journals, while offering valuable and effective solutions to improve their success in publishing in such journals. Methods: This study employed a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design, starting with a quantitative analysis of research publications in Scopus-indexed journals and scientific journals from the Sinta database to evaluate the research output levels of 288 EFL academics from private universities in East Java, Indonesia. The analysis also included online interviews with 165 academic participants, along with in-depth interviews with six individuals to explore the issue more thoroughly. Results: The study indicates that English language teachers in East Java, Indonesia, face significant difficulties in publishing their research in Scopus-indexed and reputable scientific journals, with the publication rate remaining extremely low. High publication fees, limited support from private universities, weak academic writing skills, and inadequate use of technology and AI all contribute to these challenges. Conclusions: The findings emphasize the urgent need for increased financial support and the provision of academic training to enhance confidence and writing skills, alongside investment in technology and artificial intelligence tools. Moreover, academic mentorship from experts in the field of publishing is considered crucial to boosting the ability of EFL academics to publish in high-ranking international journals.
Tajuddin et al. (Wed,) studied this question.