DENPASAR, Bali — Hundreds of female police officers from 43 countries took part in a Parade of Nations in central Denpasar on Sunday, bringing an international display of uniforms and cultures to Bali as part of the 63rd International Association of Women Police (IAWP) Annual Training Conference.
Around 450 participants joined the parade near Puputan Renon and the Bajra Sandhi Monument on Sunday afternoon, September 20, according to Bali Police.
Delegates marched carrying their national flags and wearing uniforms representing their respective police forces, while some participants joined Balinese dancers during the event.
The parade was organised as part of the five-day IAWP conference being held in Bali from September 20 to 24 and was also intended to introduce Indonesian culture to visiting delegates.
Bali Police spokesperson Senior Commissioner Ariasandy said representatives from 43 countries were taking part in the event.
“The presence of around 450 policewomen from 43 countries was witnessed directly by the IAWP president, the Bali Police chief, the governor of Bali and other officials,” Ariasandy said.
He said the international gathering was also expected to have a positive impact on Bali, including its tourism sector, while demonstrating the island’s ability to host major international events.
The conference officially opened earlier on Sunday at The Westin Resort Nusa Dua.
National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo said the gathering provides an opportunity for female police officers from different countries to exchange information and experience while strengthening cooperation.
“Through this very positive activity, we hope to exchange information, experience and enthusiasm to improve gender equality within police institutions,” Listyo said.
The 2026 gathering is being held under the theme “Women Leading Global Change.”
According to the IAWP, conference sessions cover professional development and leadership, community engagement, building public confidence, responses to high-profile incidents, criminal investigation techniques and innovations in policing.
The organisation describes the annual conference as a forum for police officers, professional staff, researchers and academics from around the world to share knowledge and develop professional networks.
This is the second time Indonesia has hosted the IAWP annual conference. The country previously hosted the 58th conference in Labuan Bajo in 2021.
Bali Police have deployed hundreds of personnel to secure the IAWP conference and another international police meeting taking place in Nusa Dua during the same period.
The IAWP conference continues through Thursday, September 24.
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