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Blue eyes are rare in Indonesia, a country where most people have dark hair and eyes. But on Buton Island in Sulawesi, some members of the indigenous Buton tribe stand out with striking blue eyes. This unique feature is caused by a rare genetic condition called Waardenburg Syndrome.
Waardenburg Syndrome is a hereditary genetic condition that affects around 1 in 42,000 people worldwide. It is known for causing pigmentation differences and, in some cases, hearing loss. People with this condition might have:
Bright blue eyes (sometimes just one eye, while the other remains dark).
A combination of one blue eye and one black or brown eye.
The condition happens because of mutations in genes that influence neural crest cells during embryo development. These cells play a role in forming various tissues, including the pigment of the eyes.
Buton Island is part of Indonesia’s Sulawesi region and home to the indigenous Buton people. Some members of this tribe have inherited Waardenburg Syndrome, giving them their rare blue eyes. These features are even more striking because blue eyes are almost unheard of in Southeast Asian populations.
Indonesian geologist and amateur photographer Korchnoi Pasaribu brought global attention to this phenomenon. His photos of the Buton tribe showcase their unique electric blue eyes, sparking widespread interest. The images highlight the beauty of genetic diversity and the rare traits found in isolated communities.
While the blue eyes are captivating, Waardenburg Syndrome can also cause hearing loss in some cases. This highlights the medical and genetic aspects of the condition beyond its visual impact.