International Women Police Conference Opens in Bali

RRI.CO.ID, Bali - Around 450 female police officers from 43 countries have gathered in Bali for the 63rd International Association of Women Police (IAWP) Annual Training Conference 2026, which focuses on women’s leadership and emerging challenges in global law enforcement.

Held under the theme Women Leading Global Change, the five‑day conference runs from September 20 to 24 at The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, bringing together law enforcement personnel to exchange experiences and discuss challenges facing modern policing.

National Police Chief Gen. Listyo Sigit Prabowo officially opened the conference with a traditional gong‑striking ceremony. “It is an honor for Indonesia to be entrusted once again to host the IAWP Conference,” Sigit said during the opening ceremony on Sunday, September 20, 2026.

Indonesia previously hosted the IAWP’s 58th conference in Labuan Bajo in 2021.

Of the 450 participants attending this year’s conference, 164 are from Indonesia. Tanzania has sent 48 delegates, followed by Canada with 36, the United States with 19, the United Kingdom with 18, Australia with 16, and South Korea with 14. Other participants represent dozens of countries across various regions.

IAWP President Julia Jaeger and Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Kateryna Pavlichenko are also attending the conference, along with police officials and delegates from participating countries.

The conference features training and discussions on issues ranging from women’s leadership and complex investigations to disaster victim identification, human trafficking, and counter‑terrorism. Participants will also address technology‑facilitated violence, technological transformation in policing, and transnational organized crime.

Sigit said the evolving nature of crime, particularly as technology continues to advance, underscores the need for stronger international cooperation among law enforcement agencies.

He said forums such as the IAWP conference provide opportunities for police officers to exchange operational experiences, share best practices, and strengthen international networks to address crimes that increasingly cross national borders.

The National Police chief also called for greater participation and leadership by women in building resilient law enforcement institutions and contributing to international peace and security.

“Together, we empower women, together, we strengthen policing, together, we uphold peace, and together, we lead global change,” he said.

The IAWP is a global organization that brings together women in law enforcement to promote professional development, strengthen networks, and enhance the capacity of female police officers worldwide. (Misni Parjiati)