gz, the long trousers vs shorts attitude is based on the notion...

gz, the long trousers vs shorts attitude is based on the notion that the poorest are only able to afford shorts. I'm sure you recall plenty of Indonesians in shorts but they were always the coolies.
You also would recall how important it was to even the poor to always be clean and dressed neat and tidy. That also was based on the notion that even if you don't have any possessions, if you have no self respect than you are truly worthless.
It also extended to their moral values such as honesty in that your good name was more important than material possessions.
I believe these are the normal values that their society is based on, not the exceptions that so many casual observers wrongly assume to be representaive of the norm.