Born and raised in Medan, he studied at the National University of Jakarta. For 20 years, he worked as a journalist at Forum Keadilan and Mingguan D&R (under the management of Tempo Media Group). He co-founded the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) and worked part-time at LP3ES and the Institute for Information Flow Studies (ISAI).

He also pursued a career as an editor, book author, and media consultant. As an editor and writer, he has produced around 45 books, mainly biographies of prominent figures.

For the past five years, Imran Hasibuan has been involved in the world of film and performing arts as a producer. As a producer, he initiated and produced the theatrical performance Panembahan Reso (2020), a masterpiece by WS Rendra. The films he has produced include: TAUFIQ: Lelaki yang Menantang Badai (2019), Terima Kasih Emak, Terima Kasih Abah (2020), Kilometer 50 (2022, a documentary produced by TEMPO Media). Since 2023, he has joined Matta Cinema Production (MCP) as Head of Producer.