Since he was a teenager Alimin was active on national movements.

He was a member of Budi Utomo, Sarekat Islam, Insulinde, before he joined with the Communist Party of Indonesia (PKI) and eventually he became leader of the organization.

In early 1926, as the leader of the PKI, Alimin went to Singapore to negotiate with Tan Malaka in order to prepare rebellion.

But, before Alimin went home, the rebellion broke out on 12 November 1926.

Alimin and Musso were arrested by British colonial police.