Jakarta – Chief of National Intelligence Agency (BIN) Syamsir Siregar said Sunday that Muslim scholars, Islamic boarding schools and society at large needed to contribute towards national security.

"The state of Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) is key in supporting national security and independence," Siregar said in Tasikmalaya, West Java, as quoted by Antara newswire.

Siregar argued that boarding schools have demonstrated its contribution to society through education. "Pesantren has also provided students with skills to prop up the schools' economy which in turn supports national resilience," he said.

Siregar also warned scholars and students against hate speech and statements that could compromise national unity.

"The unity between scholars and community leaders is important in creating civic awareness that would lead the country into a nation that is democratic, honest and just," he said.