[1] Biran was born in Rangkasbitung, in the Lebak Regency, to a Minangkabau father and a Bantenese mother.

He also received an award for Best Script for his film Menjusuri Djedjak Berdarah, and for Ayahku (1987), directed by Agus Elias.

[5] His literary works included Bung Besar (drama, 1958), which was awarded second prize in a screenwriting competition by the Ministry of Education and Culture in 1958; Setengah Djam Mendjelang Maut (Drama, 1968); Menjusuri Djedjak Berdarah (novel, 1969); Keajaiban di Pasar Senen (anthology of short stories, 1971); and Oh, Film (anthology of short stories, 1973).

[6] Biran died on 11 April 2012 at the Eka Hospital, Serpong, Tangerang, Banten after a prolonged struggle with lung cancer.

In 2010, he received fellowships from the Southeast Asia-Pacific Audiovisual Archive Association (SEAPAVAA) in Bangkok, Thailand.