This thesis examines the transformation of vocational secondary education (hereon referred to as ‘VSE’) in Indonesia during the transitional stage of the implementation of regional autonomy, a radical political arrangement intended to prevent the disintegration of the nation, following political instability. It has involved the transfer of most formerly central government responsibilities directly, and without adequate preparation, to the lowest level of government in districts and cities, bypassing the provincial governments, the second level of the government hierarchy