Issues related to decentralization, with a focus on community involvement, are discussed in this paper. The 20th-century Indonesian experience is analyzed to illustrate the process by which a national administrative reform policy develops, and to identify contributing and inhibiting factors relating to the implementation of decentralization. The Indonesian experience demonstrates the strong impact of historical, cultural, and economic factors on the administrative environment. Decentralization strategies to increase community participation require clarification of roles and responsibilities at the administrative and school levels, provision of training programs, organizational restructuring that provides formal community access mechanisms, and good will. Barriers to decentralization are entrenched attitudes and lack of knowledge and confidence. (8 references) (LMI)