Russian President Vladimir Putin has been described as both the most powerful man in the world and one of the most dangerous in the world, but even the steely former KGB agent just can’t help but laugh sometimes, as he did when one of his ministers suggested that the country with the biggest Muslim population in the world, Indonesia, be targeted for increased pork exports.
Russian Agriculture Minister Aleksandr Tkacev suggested as much — albeit by mistake — during a recent public forum, which earned a priceless reaction from President Vladimir Putin.
In the video above, Tkacev can be seen proposing a plan to boost pork exports from Russia to the likes of Japan, China, and Indonesia. Putin then reminded Tkacev that Indonesia is a Muslim majority country so its people do not eat pork, after which Tkacev clarified that he meant South Korea, not Indonesia.
Putin’s subsequent double-facepalm and failure to suppress to his laughter is the second recent incident showing the barrel-chested Russian president’s lighter side, the first being his reaction to receiving an adorable puppy as a birthday present.
But Tkacev could have been on to something. While it’s true that the majority religion in Indonesia is Islam, the fact remains that there are still millions who are not, many of whom eat pork. Some place in Indonesia like Bali and Manado are also renowned for their pork cuisine.
If you’re in Jakarta and you’re craving babi, be sure to check out our list of best pork-specialty restaurants in the city where you can really pig out.
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