BIN: Pesantren vulnerable to be infiltrated by radical ideas

Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) have remained vulnerable to be infiltrated by radical ideas being able to damage the image of Islam and even lead to radical actions like terrorism.

The National Intelligence Agency chief Syamsir Siregar made the remarks after giving a speech at the ninth inauguration meeting of the Ma'had Ali (High Institute), Pesantren Al Hikmah 2, Brebes, Central Java recently.

To counter the ideas that tend to increasingly be intensive, it is necessary to first of all prepare such preventive efforts either from the pesantren circles or related authorities.

Siregar was of view that in dealing with the radical actions there should be firm measures including through more persuasive approaches.

"It is not the first I come to pesantren to give a speech. It is important to deal with in safeguarding pesantren from the infiltration that is through a speech on the importance of raising nationalism," Siregar said.

He said through the nationalism, ulema (religious leaders), social figures and pesantren circles were expected to be able to give contribution in keeping realizing the unity among the people and fighting against any efforts of politizing religions.