He was active in youth guerilla groups during the Indonesian National Revolution, and later worked as a journalist during the Sukarno period.

Gayo originated from the village of Lukup, today in Pegasing district of Central Aceh Regency, where he was born in 1923.

[1] Following the proclamation of Indonesian independence, Gayo led a group of nationalist youths in taking over the assets of the government railway company, with its Japanese guards offering no resistance.

[4] After the end of the Indonesian revolution, Gayo worked as a journalist at the Indonesia Raya newspaper.

[6] Acehnese officials have voiced their support in awarding Gayo a National Hero of Indonesia title.