Electric Blue: The Genetic Fluke Behind an Indonesian Tribe's Dazzling Eyes

On the small island of Buton, Indonesia, some members of an indigenous tribe possess a feature that looks straight out of science fiction: piercing, electric-blue eyes. This striking trait is the result of a rare genetic condition known as Waardenburg syndrome, recently brought to global attention through the lens of geologist and photographer Korchnoi Pasaribu on his Instagram.

A Photographer's 'Gem' Discovery

According to reports, Korchnoi Pasaribu, who is from the Indonesian island of Java himself, documented the tribespeople on September 17, 2020. He told Bored Panda he had known about the tribe since 2019 but only recently had the opportunity to capture their hypnotic eyes. His photos quickly went viral, with many comparing the mesmerizing eyes to those of the Fremen from 'Dune' or the White Walkers from 'Game of Thrones'.

The Science Behind the Gaze

The blue eyes are a manifestation of Waardenburg syndrome, a genetic fluke that affects an estimated 1 in 42,000 people. The syndrome can impact melanin production, which determines the pigmentation of hair, skin, and eyes. While it can cause these dazzling eyes, sources note it can also lead to varying degrees of hearing loss. As seen in Pasaribu's photos, the syndrome can even affect a single eye, resulting in heterochromia—two different colored eyes.