Foreign Ministry Confirms 45 Indonesian Nationals Safe in Mexico Following Cartel Leader's Death
Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that Indonesian nationals in Mexico are in safe condition following a tense security situation triggered by the killing of Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera by the Mexican military. Indonesians in Mexico have been urged to remain vigilant.
“According to records held by the Indonesian Embassy in Mexico City, there are 45 Indonesian nationals in the Jalisco region, predominantly comprising clergy, professional massage therapists, as well as business owners and company employees,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Vahd Nabyl Achmad Mulachela told reporters on Tuesday (24/2/2026).
Vahd stated that Indonesian nationals in Jalisco are in safe condition. The ministry urged them to refrain from conducting activities outside their homes.
“Currently, all Indonesian nationals are safe and are following local government instructions to remain indoors,” Vahd said.
The Foreign Ministry asked Indonesian nationals in Jalisco to heighten their vigilance and maintain communication with the Indonesian Embassy.
“The Indonesian Embassy in Mexico City urges all Indonesian nationals in the affected areas to continuously heighten their vigilance, refrain from outdoor activities until the situation is stable, follow official instructions from local authorities, and maintain communication with the Embassy,” he said.
Vahd also advised the public to postpone any travel plans to Mexico in the near term. “Indonesian nationals who have travel plans to Mexico in the near future are urged to postpone their journeys until the security situation is declared stable,” he said.
As reported by AFP on Monday (23/2), the United States and Canada issued travel warnings for Mexico following the unrest that erupted after prominent drug lord El Mencho was killed by the Mexican military.
“Due to ongoing and expanding security operations and roadblocks and related criminal activity in many areas of Mexico, US citizens should shelter in place until further notice,” stated the US State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs via the social media platform X.
“Roadblocks have impacted aviation operations, with some domestic and international flights cancelled in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta,” it added.
Meanwhile, Canada stated it was monitoring the situation closely. Canada advised its citizens in Mexico to remain calm and follow guidance from local authorities.
Canada urged its nationals in the states of Michoacan, Guerrero, and Jalisco to shelter in place, citing “firefights with security forces and explosions.”
Several US and Canadian airlines also cancelled flights to parts of Mexico on Sunday following the unrest. These included US carriers United, American, Southwest, and Alaska. Additionally, Canadian airlines Air Canada and WestJet/Sunwing announced flight cancellations to Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, and Manzanillo.