This article assesses the impact of decentralization and deregulation reforms in Indonesia on security and law enforcement. The research draws on qualitative and quantitative data from interviews, focus group discussions and household surveys in four selected districts. The main conclusions are that local security bodies are being developed without control by the central government or local level democratic bodies. There is a total lack of transparency and accountability in security affairs and much power is concentrated in the hands of the district heads, the bupati. Policy recommendations include increased central government control over policing, security organizations and law enforcement. © 2005, ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute. All rights reserved.