Early Life
Yusril Ihza Mahendra was born on 5 February 1956 to Idris Haji Sainal and Norsiha in Manggar, Bangka Belitung.
After completing his primary and secondary education, Yusril left for Jakarta in 1976 to attend the University of Indonesia (UI). To compensate for living costs, Yusril had to lodge at various mosques in the city. In addition to that, Yusril had to find part-time work to fund his studies. Yusril took on various jobs, becoming a tutor in teaching children in reading the koran, teaching martial arts, and selling fishes and coconuts.
Throughout this period, Yusril became close with his lecturer, Professor Usman. In turn, Usman would introduce Yusril to his political hero, Mohammad Natsir. Natsir was an Islamist politician, former Prime Minister of Indonesia, and Chairman of the Indonesian Muslims Advisory Council (Masyumi), a major Muslim Party that had rivalled Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) in the 1950s.
Yusril also began to involve himself in organizational activities. In 1981, he became Vice Chairman of the Indonesian Youth Mosque Communication Body. A position which he held until 1982.
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