Retirement - ANY area in Bali?

I read somwhere that you had to live in specific areas to qualify for the perm retirement visa. I cant find that information now. Did i dream that?

Not quite true.
Your application has to be with the immigration office that covers the area you intend to live in Indonesia, but you can easily move as long as you sort out the appropriate paperwork and report as required, that including moving immigration offices if required.

Bit of messing around but no real problem.

There is no specific area that you must live in. You can basically live anywhere in Indonesia.