In Reply to: I think that's only for residents posted by cliff on Thursday, 17. February 2005 at 03:15 Bali Time:
Yes, you are right about locals. Foreigners living in private premises must also do this, both with the local area authorities and with the police (technically the owner of the house must register guests in this way).
But that doesn't detract from the fact that tourists are registered with the police through the registration form. Perhaps it was allowed to slack off in years prior to October 12th because many reception staff would look blank when asked for the formulir A, however, it is still a current, legal requirement.
Authorities in a country have the right to demand to see identification at any time, it is your right to keep it in sight. If people don't want to let go of their passports, then they'll have to go with it. But a photocopy should be sufficient.