Nasution was born on 15 August 1892 in the village of Barbaran Julu, today in West Panyabungan District of Mandailing Natal Regency.
[4] After the Japanese takeover in 1942, he was retained in the municipal government and appointed as deputy to the Japanese-appointed mayor Takahashi Ichiro.
[6] Municipal government functions, however, were taken over by Regional Indonesian National Committee, led by Doel Arnowo [id], on 28 August.
[7][8] During the Battle of Surabaya, Nasution doubled as the city's health service chief due to his medical training, and coordinated search and rescue operations.
[13][14] He also founded the SKVB (Soerabajasche Kantoor Voetbalbond) club, with its members being Surabaya's office workers.