Indonesia, a Southeast Asian nation, is renowned for its rich cultural tapestry and diverse people. But on the island of Buton in Southeast Sulawesi, a unique characteristic sets some of the inhabitants apart – their captivating blue eyes.
There’s a misconception that these blue eyes stem from historical intermixing with European colonists. While this may be true for a small number of Butonese people, recent studies reveal a fascinating genetic twist. Many of the Buton tribe’s blue eyes are attributed to a rare genetic condition called Waardenburg syndrome.
Waardenburg syndrome affects pigmentation, often resulting in bright blue eyes, along with potential hearing loss and patches of lighter hair or skin. While not everyone in the Buton tribe has this condition, it’s become somewhat prevalent within the community, leading to the captivating blue hues seen in some Butonese people.
It’s important to note that Waardenburg syndrome can come with hearing complications. However, the Buton tribe with blue eyes continues to thrive and preserve its unique heritage on the beautiful island of Buton.
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