With just over three years of service in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), Chaplain Abdul Kader, of 21 Squadron, is making a significant impact - not only as a spiritual leader, but as a bridge between cultures and communities.
Chaplain Kader deployed last month to Pekanbaru, Indonesia, alongside 150 RAAF personnel for Exercise Elang Ausindo 2025 - a bilateral air combat exercise between the RAAF and the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU).
As the RAAF's first Imam, he played a key role in shaping the cultural and religious engagement strategy of the exercise.
His involvement went beyond pastoral duties; supporting religious and cultural planning during the final stages of the exercise preparation, helping to ensure that engagements off the flightline were just as meaningful as those in the air.
"I work as a chaplain and support all ADF members, regardless of faith or identity," he said.
"But as a Muslim, I also support Muslim members with their religious needs."
One of the standout moments of Elang Ausindo was a visit to the Darul Ilmi Orphanage, where RAAF and TNI-AU personnel donated clothing, books, equipment and toys.
For Chaplain Kader, the visit held deep spiritual significance.
"The orphanage visit was very special," he said.
"We felt the presence of God there; it was emotional, but fulfilling.
"I believe both the children and our personnel gained so much from the experience."
'Indonesia is our neighbour - that's why this engagement is so important - not just from a Defence perspective, but from a national and spiritual one.'
Throughout the exercise, RAAF personnel also visited local places of worship, including a church, temple and mosque.
Chaplain Kader was invited to lead some of the interfaith prayer services at the mosque and church, reinforcing the exercise's deeper mission: shared understanding and mutual respect.
"The cultural tour was very empowering," he said.
"Connecting with locals of different faiths reminded me that while we may see the world differently, we can still be friends and work together as our shared mission is harmony."
Chaplain Kader also reflected on the broader importance of Australia's relationship with Indonesia, emphasising how shared values such as diversity and peace contributed to regional prosperity and security.
"Indonesia is our neighbour - that's why this engagement is so important - not just from a Defence perspective, but from a national and spiritual one," he said.
The engagements on Elang Ausindo were not only a demonstration of military interoperability, but also a testament to the power of connection, compassion and common purpose.
Exercise Elang Ausindo 2025 concluded on August 29.
