Faisal Basri Biography: Age, Wife, Children, Net Worth, Career, Books, University, Legacy

Faisal Batubara also known as Faisal Basri was a respected Indonesian economist, senior lecturer, political analyst, government critic, and public intellectual.

Through his sharp economic commentary, long teaching career at the University of Indonesia, founding role in INDEF, and fearless critiques of government policies on issues like nickel downstreaming and deindustrialization, he educated generations of students and influenced public discourse on Indonesia’s economic development and good governance.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Faisal Batubara
• Stage Name: Faisal Basri
• Born: November 6, 1959
• Age: 64 years old
• Died: September 5, 2024
• Birthplace: Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
• Nationality: Indonesian
• Ethnicity: Indonesian
• Occupation: Economist, Academic, Political Analyst, Public Intellectual
• Height: Unknown
• Religion: Islam
• Parents: Hasan Basri and Saidah Nasution
• Siblings: One
• Spouse: Syahfitri Nasution
• Children: Anwar Ibrahim Basri, Siti Nabila Azuraa Basri, Muhammad Attar Basri
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $1 million USD

Early Life and Education

Faisal Basri was born on November 6, 1959, in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia. He was brought up by his parents Hasan Basri and Saidah Nasution. The family later moved to Jakarta in 1966 after his father secured employment in a printing company in Setiabudi, South Jakarta. He was a nephew of former Indonesian Vice President Adam Malik.

Faisal completed his early education in Bandung and Jakarta before pursuing higher studies. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in economics from the Faculty of Economics and Business at the University of Indonesia (FEB UI) in 1985. He then earned his master’s degree in economics from Vanderbilt University in the United States in 1988. His ethnicity is Indonesian. His religion is Islam.

Career

Faisal Basri began his professional journey as a lecturer at his alma mater, the University of Indonesia, starting in 1981 and continuing for decades as a senior faculty member in the School of Economics and Business. He taught courses on economics, its intersection with politics, and foreign affairs. He served as head of the Economics and Development Studies Department from 1995 to 1998 and later as head of the Perbanas Banking Institute from 1999 to 2003.

He played a key role in government service early on, working at the Deputy II office of the Economic, Financial and Industrial Affairs Ministry from 1985 to 1987 and as a member of the EKUIN Assistance Team to the President in 2000. Faisal founded and was actively involved with the Institute for Development of Economics and Finance (INDEF) from 1995 to 2000, where he contributed significantly to economic research and policy analysis.

Known as a constructive government critic, he frequently appeared in media to discuss Indonesia’s economic challenges, middle-income trap risks, and the need for better governance. He received the Kompas Dedicated Scholar Award in 2016 for his scientific contributions. His legacy as an outspoken yet humble economist continues to influence Indonesian public policy debates even after his passing on September 5, 2024.

Social Media

• X Handle: @FaisalBasri

Personal Life

Faisal Basri, 64 years old at the time of his passing, was married to Syahfitri Nasution (also known as Syafitri Nasution). They shared three children: Anwar Ibrahim Basri, Siti Nabila Azuraa Basri, and Muhammad Attar Basri. There are no publicly known past relationships.

He was remembered by family and colleagues as a dedicated husband and father who balanced a demanding academic and public life with family values. He passed away on September 5, 2024, at Mayapada Hospital in Jakarta and was laid to rest at Menteng Pulo Public Cemetery. His height is Unknown.

Net Worth

Faisal Basri’s net worth is estimated at $1 million USD. His income primarily came from his long-term role as a senior lecturer at the University of Indonesia through academic salary and consulting. Additional revenue streams included speaking engagements, media appearances as a political analyst, research contributions at INDEF, and occasional policy advisory work.