The world never stops surprising us. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, life shows you there’s so much more to discover. Every corner of our planet hides mysteries, and even a lifetime wouldn’t be enough to uncover them all.
One of the best ways to see Earth’s diversity is through its subcultures and ethnic groups. Indonesia is a prime example. This country is home to countless tribes, each with its own unique traits and traditions.
Indonesia isn’t just the largest nation in Southeast Asia—it’s also the fourth most populous country in the world, made up of an astonishing number of islands. Among these islands lies one of its hidden gems: the Buton Tribe.
The Buton Tribe stands out for one striking reason—their mesmerizing blue eyes. This rare feature is the result of a genetic fluke.
According to Discover ASEAN, the Buton Tribe lives on Buton Island in the Southeast Sulawesi province. What sets them apart is a condition called Waardenburg Syndrome. This genetic mutation affects pigmentation, giving them their signature blue eyes.
In a country where dark eyes and black hair are the norm, their bright blue eyes are a captivating anomaly. This mutation, however, isn’t all beauty—it’s estimated to occur in just 1 out of 42,000 people and can sometimes lead to hearing loss.
Thanks to geologist and hobby photographer Korchnoi Pasaribu, the world now has a glimpse of this rare tribe. He shares their stunning portraits on Instagram, shedding light on their unique beauty.
“I work as a geologist in nickel mining, and photography is my passion. Blue eyes are unique and beautiful—they’re my inspiration,” Pasaribu says. “It’s my favorite eye color.”
With over 350 dialects and subcultures, Indonesia’s rich diversity is unmatched. Buton Island, one of the country’s largest islands, is home to about 450,000 people who live in isolated tribes.
Pasaribu first learned about the Buton Tribe in 2019 but only managed to photograph them on September 17, 2020. “I was thrilled to finally capture their beauty,” he shares.
Thanks to his dedication, we get to witness the magic of these rare blue-eyed tribespeople—proof that the world’s beauty lies in its diversity.
