Journal of Nusantara Studies (JONUS) (Journal of UniSZA - Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin)
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Educating for the circular future: A bibliometric study on circular economy in educational settings
Full text linkBackground and Purpose: The circular economy (CE) has gained global momentum as a strategy to promote sustainability through resource efficiency and waste reduction. To instill sustainable mindsets in future generation, integrating CE in education is essential. However, a comprehensive understanding of scholarly contributions of CE in education remains limited. Therefore, the objective of this study is to map global research trends on CE in education by analyzing publication trends, influential author, leading countries and co-occurring author keywords clustering through a bibliometric study.
Methodology: A bibliometric analysis was conducted using VOSviewer software (version 1.6.18) based on data retrieved from Scopus database. A total of 1424 documents published between 2006 and July 2025 were analysed. Data collection was conducted between July 10 and 12, 2025. This study analysed publication trends, authors, institutions, countries productivity, author keyword co-occurrence and clustering.
Findings: The findings highlight a significant increase in publications, with influential authors, institutions and countries. One dominant keyword and 13 thematic clusters were identified, reflecting the growing interest and multidisciplinary nature of CE in education.
Contributions: By mapping research trajectories and key contributors, it offers a solid basis for advancing future research, guiding curriculum development, shaping education policy and strengthening CE-focused educational settings.
Keywords: Circular economy, education, sustainability, bibliometric analysis, keywords clustering.
Cite as: Krishnan, P., & Karpudewan, M. (2026). Educating for the circular future: A bibliometric study on circular economy in educational settings. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 11(1), 193-213. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol11iss1pp193-21
Physics in integrated STEM education research projects: A systematic review in the secondary school context
Full text linkBackground and Purpose: This review explores the integration of physics into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education through project-based learning (PjBL) at the secondary school level. It aims to identify common types of integrated STEM projects for physics students and the physics concepts most frequently employed, addressing current gaps in the field.
Methodology: Guided by the PRISMA framework, this systematic review analyzed 20 peer-reviewed journal articles published within the last five years and indexed in the Scopus database.
Findings: The analysis revealed four main categories of physics-based STEM projects: Inquiry-Based Learning with Technology, Engineering Design Challenge Products, Electronic Module (E-module) Projects, and Abstract Problem-Solving Activities. Physics concepts related to momentum and Newtonian mechanics were most dominant, while thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, electronics, optics, and wave theory were underrepresented. Significant gaps identified include limited interdisciplinary integration, uneven physics content distribution, and inadequate resource availability.
Contributions: In response to these findings, a "5-Way Forward" framework is proposed to enhance the quality and impact of STEM project implementation in physics education. This review offers valuable insights for educators, curriculum developers, and policymakers to improve physics engagement in integrated STEM education and suggests directions for future research on long-term impact and teacher training.
Keywords: integrated STEM project, physics project, STEM education, physics education, secondary school.
Cite as: Nassiri, S. H., Khamis, N., & Bunyamin, M. A. H. (2026). Physics in integrated STEM education research projects: A systematic review in the secondary school context. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 11(1), 64-82. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol11iss1pp64-8
Professional burnout stories among physical education teachers: A narrative inquiry
Full text linkBackground and Purpose: This study explores the lived experiences of professional burnout among Physical Education (PE) teachers in higher education, focusing on the emotional, psychological, and environmental stressors that shape their professional well-being. PE teachers often face challenges such as undervaluation, excessive workload, role ambiguity, and poor institutional support—factors that contribute to chronic stress, fatigue, and a diminishing sense of self-efficacy and professional identity.
Methodology: A qualitative narrative inquiry was employed to gain a deeper understanding of burnout as experienced by 10 PE faculty members. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with the participants, allowing them to narrate their personal struggles and insights related to their profession. The data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s method, which involved extracting significant statements, formulating meanings, organizing themes, and validating the findings through participant feedback.
Findings: This study reveals the multifaceted nature of burnout among Physical Education faculty in higher education, highlighting emotional exhaustion, lack of administrative support, workplace discrimination, and poor technology literacy as key stressors. Participants reported chronic mental and physical strain stemming from overwhelming workloads, toxic environments, and difficulty balancing professional duties with family responsibilities. Discrimination and lack of institutional recognition further diminished morale, leading to disengagement and identity struggles. The abrupt shift to digital learning exacerbated stress, particularly for educators lacking technological proficiency. Health issues such as fatigue, headaches, and digestive problems were common. These findings emphasize the urgent need for systemic reforms, supportive leadership, and inclusive practices to foster well-being, retain educators, and create sustainable teaching environments for PE professionals.
Contributions: These findings emphasize the urgent need for systemic reforms and institutional policies that support teacher well-being, recognition, and professional development. By giving voice to PE educators, the study advocates for a more inclusive and supportive educational environment that addresses the root causes of burnout.
Keywords: Professional burnout, physical education teachers, lived experiences, narrative inquiry.
Cite as: Lopez, H. G. (2026). Professional burnout stories among physical education teachers: A narrative inquiry. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 11(1), 141-154. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol11iss1pp141-15
Sustainable food management in island tourism: Lessons from Home-Based Café (HBC) in Terengganu small islands
Full text linkBackground and Purpose: Despite global initiatives, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end hunger by 2030, food security remains a critical issue in small islands heavily reliant on tourism. These islands are highly vulnerable to climate change, natural disasters, market fluctuations, and inefficient food distribution systems. In Malaysia’s small island destinations, such as Perhentian Islands and Redang Island, limited local resources and dependence on mainland supplies further challenge small-scale food businesses, including home-based cafés (HBC), to sustain their food security. Guided by the four pillars of food security theory, this study explores food security challenges and coping strategies on rural small islands.
Methodology: Adopting a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews with 17 HBC operators on Perhentian Islands and Redang Island were thematically analyzed using ATLAS.ti software.
Findings: Our study confirmed that food security pillars (availability, accessibility, utilization, and stability) contributed to the understanding of food security in HBCs on small islands, and poor food supply chains negatively impact food security and sustainability of HBCs. Our findings exposed key food security challenges, such as high reliance on mainland goods, expensive island living costs, the monsoon season, and high tourism dependency. Findings further highlighted several coping strategies involving supply chain management, operational adjustments, and financial management, focusing on people-centered strategies.
Contributions: This study suggests that the lack of integrated supply chain management involving local island communities and relevant agencies increases the potential threat of food insecurity, thereby affecting the overall sustainability of HBCs on islands.
Keywords: Food security, Food tourism, Home-based café, Sustainability, Small islands.
Cite as: Shamsull Anuar, N. F. A., Jaafar, S. N. A., Ab Karim, M. S., Aziz, N., & Wan-Hafiz, W.-Z.-S. (2026). Sustainable food management in island tourism: Lessons from Home-Based Café (HBC) in Terengganu small islands. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 11(1), 83-98. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol11iss1pp83-9
The self-concept of students with disciplinary problems: A systematic review
Full text linkBackground and Purpose: Self-concept significantly influences adolescents’ behavioural development, with studies showing a complex association between disciplinary problems and students’ self-perceptions. Despite extensive research, a comprehensive synthesis remains limited.
Methodology: This systematic review, guided by PRISMA 2020, examined empirical studies published between 2017 and 2025 from Scopus and Web of Science.
Findings: Using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT), 36 studies were analysed, revealing five main themes and 19 subthemes: (1) disciplinary problems diminish self-concept through negative and reciprocal effects; (2) academic and family-related behaviours most strongly affect self-concept dimensions; (3) physical self-concept often remains resilient despite other declines; (4) multiple self-concept dimensions experience overall deterioration; and (5) self-concept tends to worsen progressively over time.
Contributions: The review emphasizes the multidimensional and dynamic relationship between self-concept and disciplinary behaviours among adolescents across cultural contexts. These findings underscore the importance of developing targeted interventions that strengthen vulnerable self-concept domains while utilizing resilient aspects to better support at-risk students through evidence-based educational and counselling strategies.
Keywords: Self-concept, behaviour, disciplinary problems, adolescents, systematic review.
Cite as: Khalid, N. F., Mohd Sahell, A. M., Syed Abdullah, S. M., & Ahmad, N. S. (2026). The self-concept of students with disciplinary problems: A systematic review. Journal of Nusantara Studies,11(1), 246-275. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol11iss1pp246-27
Profiling zakat distribution literatures: A bibliometric lens
Full text linkBackground and Purpose: Zakat aims at alleviating poverty through the equitable dissemination of wealth and the fostering of a prosperous Muslim community. To fulfil zakat divine objectives, zakat distribution issues in the contemporary system must be properly identified and discussed to safeguard the welfare of both zakat recipients and zakat payers. This study focuses on uncovering the publication trend in the zakat distribution field. In addition, this study explores the most influential source titles and publications. Lastly, this study also examines the profiling of author themes in zakat distribution research, its evolution and the co-occurrence of the themes.
Methodology: This study conducted bibliometric analysis using biblioMagika® and VOSViewer. The Scopus database serves as the primary data source. OpenRefine, was used to clean, harmonize, and transform unstructured Scopus data that corrects discrepancies in English, including synonyms, spellings, and plural. The analysis on the publication trend, source title, publication and authors theme was performed using biblioMagika®. VOSviewer software is subsequently employed in the study to identify the co-occurrence and clusters of the themes.
Findings: 136 publications were included in the study after screening, cleaning and harmonization process. It is found that the number of publications and citations fluctuates between the year 2011 and 2025. The highest publications were in the year 2024, while the highest citations were in the year 2020. Jurnal Pengurusan is the most influential source title, while “Zakat Institutions in Malaysia: Problems and Issues” is the most cited publication in the study. The analysis using biblioMagika® reveals that “zakat”, “zakat distribution”, “asnaf”, “zakat institutions” and “Malaysia” are the author themes stated in more than 10 publications. “Zakat”, “zakat distribution” and “asnaf” are influential and well-established themes with over two hundred citations. These themes are viewed as mature and ongoing, with most related research published around the year 2018. The network visualisation map depicts that “zakat”, “zakat distribution”, and “asnaf” are closely connected to each other, with “zakat” listed as the core topic in zakat distribution studies. The VOSviewer further clustered the themes into eight clusters, each consisting of between three and seven themes that construct a research structure.
Contributions: The review provides information on the evolution of the authors’ theme in zakat distribution, which provides future insights into zakat distribution issues.
Keywords: Zakat distribution, bibliometric, author themes, temporal and citation impact, cluster visualization.
Cite as: Ahmad, S., Wan Jusoh, W. N. H., Mustaffa, N. M., Adnan, A. A., & Syafieq Ahmad, M. H. (2026). Profiling zakat distribution literatures: A bibliometric lens. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 11(1), 174-192. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol11iss1pp174-19
The use of depositions in court for human trafficking offences in Malaysia
Full text linkBackground and Purpose: Human trafficking is a serious global issue, including in Malaysia, where victims often comprise illegal immigrants, making them particularly vulnerable to exploitation. In 2010, section 61A was introduced through the Anti-Trafficking in Persons (Amendment) Act 2010 (Act A1385) to allow for the admissibility of depositions made by trafficked persons or smuggled migrants who cannot be found during court proceedings. With the introduction of this provision, human trafficking offences may be proven not only through the oral testimony of illegal immigrants in court but also by way of depositions, subject to the prescribed statutory conditions. This expands the modes of proof and addresses practical challenges in securing their physical presence during trial. However, the use of depositions raises important concerns relating to the accused’s right to a fair trial. This research aims to examine the legality of the use of depositions under section 61A of the ATIPSOM 2007 in proving human trafficking related offences.
Methodology: This research employed doctrinal legal research by conducting a thorough analysis of relevant laws, namely the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (ATIPSOM 2007) (Act 670), the Immigration Act 1959/63 (Act 155) and the Federal Constitution. In addition to statutory analysis, an examination of case law was undertaken to gain insights into the court’s stance on the use of depositions in human trafficking offences. Scholarly writings in this field were also examined to provide a thorough understanding of the subject.
Findings: The research found that section 61A of the ATIPSOM 2007 allows for the admissibility of depositions made by trafficked persons who cannot be found during court proceedings. The provision aims to ensure that crucial evidence is not lost due to the removal or unavailability of such persons. While the use of depositions has been debated for potentially infringing on the accused’s right to a fair trial under Article 5 of the Federal Constitution (FC) and compromising their right to equality under Article 8 of the FC, the Federal Court in Ketheeswaran Kanagaratnam & Anor v. Public Prosecutor [2024] 2 CLJ 341 upheld the constitutionality of section 61A of the ATIPSOM 2007.
Contributions: This research contributes to the corpus of legal knowledge on the use of depositions in court for human trafficking offences in Malaysia within the legal framework of the criminal justice system.
Keywords: Human trafficking, Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007, deposition, evidence, fair trial.
Cite as: Mohammed Na’aim, M. S., Nordin, R., & Rajamanickam, R. (2026). The use of depositions in court for human trafficking offences in Malaysia. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 11(1), 232-245. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol11iss1pp232-24
Positive discourse and national unity in Jordan: A contextual pragmatic analysis of King Abdullah II’s address to the eighteenth parliament
Full text linkBackground and Purpose: This paper introduces a detailed linguistic and discursive analysis of a presidential speech by His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan to explore the linguistic role of presidential speeches as a resource for building a sense of unity and nationalism and to represent a positive presidential style. Under the theoretical background of Positive Discourse Analysis (PDA), this contribution aims to position the linguistic study of presidential speeches at the point where the study of political leadership meets linguistic and discursive analysis to explore the positive linguistic and discursive representation of the moral foundations of identity at the level of the nation state of Jordan.
Methodology: This study uses a qualitative method of interpretive analysis that employs PDA to analyze a speech by His Majesty at the opening of the Eighteenth Parliament. This method uses the three evaluative criteria of attitude, engagement, and graduation to analyze the text to monitor the construction of moral alignment and inclusive nationalism. This study collected information from an official version of the speech presented by the Royal Hashemite Court and was informed by literature concerning the discourse of a monarch and political communication issues for the Middle East.
Findings: The findings indicate that the rhetoric uses positive evaluative vocabulary to convey a moral and emotional perception of the nation. Through the utilization of inclusive pronouns and positive moral appeals, the King portrays a moral nationalist project of cooperation and hope. Not only does this analysis indicate that the words and impact of hope are morally persuasive for a moral nationalist project of cooperation, but also that the King’s words serve to morally transform the meaning of history while being morally linked to Palestine to create a moral nationalist perception of hope for a united future.
Contributions: This research contributes to knowledge about political communication in Jordan by demonstrating the performance of unity and moral authority instead of dominance by means of language. This context widens the theory of PDA for the examination of speeches by a monarch to demonstrate that the discourse of value and affiliation supports emotional legitimacy for a constitutional monarchy. This analysis contributes to further discussions related to leadership public rhetoric by explaining the relationship between linguistic positivity and civic/national belonging.
Keywords: Royal speech, King Abdullah II, Jordan, Positive Discourse Analysis (PDA), linguistic analysis, Palestinian cause, nationalism.
Cite as: Abu Freiha, E., & Al-Qaralleh, S. H. (2026). Positive discourse and national unity in Jordan: A contextual pragmatic analysis of King Abdullah II’s address to the eighteenth parliament. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 11(1), 315-329. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol11iss1pp315-32
Decades of carbon tax research: Insights from a bibliometric analysis of Scopus data (1989-2023)
Full text linkBackground and Purpose: As climate change intensifies, carbon taxes have become an important policy instrument for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Understanding the evolution, key contributors, and collaboration patterns in carbon tax research is essential for guiding future studies and supporting effective climate policy. This study examines the development and structure of carbon tax research to identify major trends and influential contributors.
Methodology: This study employs a bibliometric analysis of carbon tax–related publications indexed in the Scopus database from 1989 to 2023. Key indicators analysed include publication trends, leading institutions, influential authors, prominent journals, geographical distribution, and collaboration networks.
Findings: The results show a significant increase in research output, particularly between 2008 and 2022. Major contributions come from institutions such as Tsinghua University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, with Lin Boqiang and Gilbert E. Metcalf as leading authors. Energy Policy is the most influential journal, and strong international collaboration is evident.
Contributions: This study provides a comprehensive overview of global carbon tax research, offering insights to support future research and evidence-based climate policy development.
Keywords: Carbon tax, carbon pricing, CO2 tax, emission tax, climate policy.
Cite as: Jamaluddin, N. A. A., Khairuddin, N. A., Somasuntharam, R. S., Palil, M. R., & Azemi, A. (2026). Decades of carbon tax research: Insights from a bibliometric analysis of Scopus data (1989-2023). Journal of Nusantara Studies, 11(1), 116-140. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol11iss1pp116-14
Uncovering critical thinking dispositions through reflective journaling: A qualitative study of Malaysian undergraduates
Full text linkBackground and Purpose: This study examines how reflective journaling can enhance critical thinking skills among undergraduate students enrolled in an Educational Testing and Assessment course. It explores students' reflective experiences through qualitative analysis, focusing on how structured journaling supports the development of critical thinking dispositions.
Methodology: A qualitative research design was employed involving 45 undergraduate students who completed reflective journals at three intervals throughout the semester. Each journal entry responded to guided questions related to specific course topics. In total, 135 reflective journals were analysed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns, themes, and indicators of critical thinking dispositions.
Findings: The analysis revealed seven critical thinking dispositions reflected in students' writing: cognitive maturity, analyticity, self‑confidence, systematicity, open‑mindedness, truth‑seeking, and inquisitiveness. Students demonstrated increasingly meaningful and analytical reflections across the three journaling cycles, indicating deeper engagement with course concepts and enhanced metacognitive awareness.
Contribution: This study highlights reflective journaling as an effective assessment strategy for fostering critical thinking in higher education. The identified themes provide insight into how reflective practices shape students' cognitive development and reveal their underlying dispositions. The study also acknowledges limitations and proposes directions for future research to further examine the role of reflective journaling across diverse educational contexts.
Keywords: Reflective journals, critical thinking, undergraduate students, qualitative research, thematic analysis, educational testing and assessment.
Cite as: Kamarulzaman, W., & Ibrahim, H. (2026). Uncovering critical thinking dispositions through reflective journaling: A qualitative study of Malaysian undergraduates. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 11(1), 291-310. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol11iss1pp291-31