Following El Mencho's Death, DPR Member Urges Government to Ensure Safety of Indonesian Citizens in Mexico

MEMBER of Commission I of the House of Representatives, Oleh Soleh, has urged the government to ensure the safety of Indonesian citizens in Jalisco, Mexico, who have been affected by the unrest resulting from local military operations that targeted the Nemesio Ruben Nueva Generation drug cartel, also known as ‘El Mencho’. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs currently records that there are 45 Indonesian citizens residing in the state of Jalisco.

“The developing situation in Jalisco is very worrying. The state must be present to ensure that all Indonesian citizens are safe. Their safety is a non-negotiable priority,” said Oleh Soleh in a written statement on Tuesday, 24 February 2026.

Scroll down to continue reading. The politician from the National Awakening Party requested that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Indonesian Embassy, continue to communicate intensively with Indonesian citizens in Jalisco. In addition, Oleh Soleh encouraged the embassy to increase monitoring, update data on the whereabouts of Indonesian citizens, and ensure access to communication channels. Oleh emphasised that the Indonesian government must not be complacent, as the death of El Mencho has triggered an escalation of violence in several areas of Jalisco. According to him, the cartel group under El Mencho is venting its anger by carrying out brutality, which has resulted in a tense security situation and caused fear among the public. “The embassy must actively reach out and ensure the condition of each Indonesian citizen. If the situation becomes increasingly uncontrollable, the government needs to immediately prepare for an evacuation to a safer place,” he said. On the other hand, Oleh advised Indonesian citizens in Jalisco to remain calm and avoid vulnerable locations. He reminded Indonesian citizens to limit outdoor activities and comply with the rules of local authorities and the embassy. He stated that Commission I of the DPR will continue to monitor the developments in the area and ensure that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides optimal protection for Indonesian citizens affected by the situation. Mexican Army Special Forces killed seven members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), including its leader, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho,” in a military operation in the city of Tapalpa, Jalisco, on Sunday, 22 February 2026. Following the operation, retaliatory attacks occurred, involving the burning of cars, road blockades, and attacks on law enforcement officers in a dozen cities, resulting in the deaths of 27 people, all of whom were state officials. The day after, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum asked the public in the country to remain calm while ensuring that security forces are working to restore the situation in the affected areas. The Acting Director of Indonesian Citizen Protection at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Heni Hamidah, stated that the embassy continues to monitor the local security situation and ensure the safety of the 45 Indonesian citizens residing in Jalisco. According to records from the Indonesian Embassy in Mexico City, the Indonesian citizens residing in Jalisco are known to work as religious leaders, professional massage therapists, and business owners and employees. “Currently, all Indonesian citizens are safe and following the instructions of the local government not to carry out activities outside the home,” said Heni, as quoted by Antara on Tuesday. Editor’s Choice: BNN Reveals the History of Drug Trafficking from Mexican Cartels.