His parents, Ibrahim Sidi Mangkuto and Matayam bt M. Yasin, were of Minangkabau descent. He studied at the Faculty of Economics, University of Indonesia.
Arizal is one of Indonesia's most productive film directors and script writers. He directed 52 films and 8 soap operas (sinetron) with 1,196 episodes between 1974 and 2006. He directed the comedy film series of Warkop DKI. In the 1980s, his work brought success to Yessy Gusman, Rano Karno, Yenny Rachman, Roy Marten and Lydia Kandou as famous artists.
Arizal's best known films are Gita Cinta dari SMA (1979), Pintar-pintar Bodoh (1980) and Maju Kena Mundur Kena (1983), which achieved the highest audience in that year. Gita Cinta dari SMA was selected as one of the 25 best Indonesian films.
Filmography
Senyum dan Tangis (1974). Starring Rano Karno, Andy Carol, and Lenny Marlina. Achieved Citra Award (Piala Citra).
Setulus Hatimu (1975). Starring Drg Fadly and Yanty Yosepha.
Dr. Firdaus (1976). Starring Drg Fadly and Lenny Marlina.
Hanya Untukmu (1976). Starring Drg Fadly and Lenny Marlina.
Janji Sarinah (1976). Starring Drg Fadly and Lenny Marlina.
Aula Cinta (1977). Starring Roy Marten, Yati Octavia and Debby Cyntia Dewi.
Cowok Komersil (1977). Starring Robby Sugara, Yati Octavia, Debby Cyntian Dewi and Doris Cellebout.
Semua Gue (1977). Starring Rano Karno, Yenny Rahman, and Yezzy Gusman.
Secerah Senyum (1977). Starring Roy Marten and Yenny Rahman.
Laki-laki Binal (1978). Starring Roy Marten and Yenny Rahman.
Musim Bercinta (1978) Starring Roy Marten, Eva Arnaz, Rano Karno, and Yessy Guzman.
Gita Cinta dari SMA (1979). Starring Rano Karno, Yessy Guzman, and Sherly Malinton.
Kecupan Pertama (1979). Starring Yenny Rahman and Roy Marten.
Puspa Indah Taman Hati (1979). Starring Rano Karno and Yessy Guzman.
Remaja Idaman (1979). Starring Roy Marten and Joice Erna.