It has significant importance to indigenous cultures in many parts of its range, but is also threatened by illegal logging due to its high quality timber.

[5][8][6] The timber of this species is a very durable and termite-resistant wood, making it a highly valued and versatile building material with applications in engineering and construction as well as decorative work.

A dye can be extracted from the wood and an insect repellent can be made from the seeds.Decoctions from various parts of the tree have been used to treat a range of ailments such as diarrhoea, rheumatism, pain, colds and influenza.

[6][7][12] As of October 2024[update], Intsia bijuga was classified on a world-wide scale as near threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN),[1] however, various regional authorities have given it different ratings.

Jim Anderton, who was the Minister in charge of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry at that time, did not support a ban and instead he left it up to consumer choice.

[15] The Tivia clan of Suburam village on the north coast of Papua New Guinea believe that the timber has spiritual powers,[22] and the tree is sacred to Fijian people.